Red Wings get late goal from Copp and big saves from Tarasov in win
The Detroit Red Wings returned to the win column Thursday night, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1. Andrew Copp played the hero, scoring the game-winning goal late in the third period to give the Red Wings a much-needed victory and snap its three-game losing streak.
The victory improved Detroit's record to 2-3-2, while Philadelphia dropped to 0-6-3, extending its franchise-record winless start to nine games.
Philadelphia opened the scoring late in the first period when young star Matvei Michkov capitalized on a bouncing puck near the Detroit crease. Michkov knocked the puck past Red Wings goaltender Daniil Tarasov at 17:32, giving the Flyers a 1-0 advantage heading into the first intermission.
It was a limited offensive first period for both teams. The Flyers had five shots on goal, and the Red Wings had nine, and not many were quality chances.
Despite trailing, Detroit continued to generate offensive pressure, creating chances against Flyers goaltender Joseph Woll.
That opportunity came early in the second period.
At 4:31, Red Wings rookie defenseman Anton Johansson joined an odd-man rush and finished a beautiful passing play from Dylan Larkin, firing a one-timer into the net for his first career NHL goal.
The goal tied the game 1-1, and the Red Wings gained momentum.
With the game tied late in the third period, Detroit needed someone to deliver a decisive play to get an important win at home.
Veteran forward Andrew Copp answered the call.
With 4:38 remaining in regulation, Nate Danielson won a puck battle in the offensive zone and moved the puck to Michael Rasmussen behind Philadelphia's net.
Rasmussen worked the puck toward the crease and found Copp positioned in front. Copp capitalized on the opportunity, burying the puck past Woll to give Detroit its first lead of the night.
The goal was exactly what the Red Wings needed with a struggling offense, especially getting a big contribution from Copp and Rasmussen, who both have got off to slow starts so far this season.
Tarasov made multiple important saves for the Red Wings, especially late when the Flyers were looking to tie the game and force overtime. They pushed for the equalizer in the final minutes and had a few chances near the Red Wings net, but Detroit was able to hold off the effort and hold onto a 2-1 win.
