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Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde gets perfectly frank after critical win over rival Maple Leafs
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The Detroit Red Wings came through with a huge pair of points thanks to an unlikely source of goal scoring, and head coach Derek Lalonde is well aware of the impact.
In a game that they had to have, the Detroit Red Wings overcame the deadly offensive firepower that their division foe Toronto Maple Leafs boast.
They picked up their 2nd win in their last three games, beating the Leafs at Little Caesars Arena by a 4-2 final.
Detroit was aided by a pair of goals from defenseman Jeff Petry, his first two scores of the year; Detroit also got a goal from Moritz Seider, while Lucas Raymond scored into the open net with seconds remaining.
Ville Husso was particularly strong, picking up his 1st win since last year by making several critical stops, including a breakaway attempt from Mitch Marner in the 3rd period that would have tied the score:
Head coach Derek Lalonde, who has faced intense heat and scrutiny from fans and pundits, acknowledged the potential impact that tonight's win could have on the Red Wings going forward.
A huge win, obviously. You try and get traction any way you can, and it's two of three now.
It's a win against a good team, but a good team that had their 'A' game tonight. Toronto and their elite players were on.
It's a win against a good team, but a good team that had their 'A' game tonight. Toronto and their elite players were on.
I give our guys a ton of credit and I'm glad we flipped one here. This wasn't much different than the games and looks we had in that 0-3-2 stretch when we couldn't find wins.
Really complete game, start to finish.
Really complete game, start to finish.
The Red Wings have a big chance to climb back into the thick of things
Despite their recent struggles and incomplete play, the Red Wings are still only four points back of a postseason spot.
With six of their seven upcoming games scheduled to be played in front of the home fans, it's an opportunity they can't afford to miss out making good upon.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 14 | 119 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde gets perfectly frank after critical win over rival Maple Leafs Can the Detroit Red Wings still salvage what's left of this year and compete for a postseason spot? | ||
| Yes, they can go on a run and get right back in it | 70 | 58.8 % |
| No, they're too inconsistent and will miss again | 49 | 41.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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