Detroit Red Wings' big win in New York ends in mayhem

The Detroit Red Wings got a hard-fought 2-1 win over the New York Rangers on Sunday night. The game went down to the wire, with the Red Wings holding off the Rangers’ push to tie the game late in the third.

The Rangers pulled goalie Jonathan Quick for the extra attacker. However, the effort was to no avail. The Red Wings, meanwhile, attempted to ice the game numerous times with the empty net.

As the clock wound down, Mason Appleton took the puck and headed up ice to score an empty-netter. As the clock expired, Appleton fired the puck into the empty cage. The goal didn’t count, but it set off a firestorm as Quick stormed the ice to protest Appleton hitting the net after time had expired.

Here’s a look at the action as shown on the Gino Hard X channel:

The play seemed harmless enough. However, Quick took exception to it. As Quick went after the Red Wings, Appleton, everyone on the ice joined the fracas.

Here’s another look at the incident:

Quick got a two-minute minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct and a 10-minute misconduct for his antics. Meanwhile, Appleton also got a 10-minute misconduct for his role in the incident.

It’s worth pointing out that Appleton fired the puck right as time expired. So, there did not seem to be any ill intention to hit the net after time had expired. It seemed to be a case of Quick's frustration boiling over at the end of the game.

It remains to be seen if the league will issue any supplemental discipline for the play. While the NHL always reviews controversial plays, a warning may be forthcoming. However, it’s unlikely that fines or suspensions may be on the way.

The two clubs will meet again on April 4, 2026. So, there could be some fireworks in the third and final match between these two clubs this season.