For the first time this season the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs as it finished 3-1 at Little Caesars Arena.
Here are three takeaways from the win.
#1 Unlikely Sources
Not many would have predicted that Danny DeKeyser and Trevor Daley would both score their first goals of the season in the same game. Albeit, both goals proved to be instrumental in the victory and Daley’s goal will go down as the game-winner.
Both players have certainly not been having the seasons they want, but Friday night’s performance is a big step in the right direction for Daley and DeKeyser.
Daley now has recorded a point in three consecutive games. Previously, he had gone pointless for almost two months before ending his skid against the Florida Panthers on Monday night.
#2 Special Teams Wins the Day
With a shorthanded and power play goals, the Red Wings special teams units had one of their best performances of the season. They took advantage of their opportunities and it seemed things went their way for a change.
#3 Big Win in the Standings
Next week the Red Wings will have three games against Eastern Conference opponents and all three will be on the road. Tonight’s win was a big one not only for the team’s confidence but also for their place in the standings.
With the Wings still hanging around in the Atlantic Division this win could be the perfect springboard for a host of points to come in the coming week. In total, the next 10 games will be against teams from the east, which will prove to be a pivotal stretch of games entering the new year.
On another note, it was a relief to see the team get a result in the third period and complete the game. Expect more close games in the coming weeks as the push to the playoffs begins to heat up.