Jan 19, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Damien Brunner (24) works the puck as St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) pressures during the first period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Even though he didn’t record a point against the Blues or Blue Jackets, you could see that his quickness and puck skills are legitimate. He was also the victim of some bad luck and good Sergei Bobrovsky goaltending at Columbus, where he led the Wings with six shots on goal.

Still, I’m sure fans of some other NHL teams were wondering what all the hype was about. Then Brunner went out as the fourth Detroit shooter Monday night in what was a goalless shootout, and this happened:

My favorite part of that has to be Bobrovsky’s slightly delayed reaction where he looks behind him. It’s almost like he couldn’t believe it just happened. He does deserve a lot of credit for getting two chances at stopping it, first with the poke check and later by kicking out his right pad.

In any case, that one move by Brunner not only secured a much needed win for the Red Wings, it also showed everyone exactly why Red Wings fans are thrilled to have him in the lineup this season. Not too shabby for a guy playing his second game of North American hockey.