Dylan Larkin's OT goal lifts Detroit Red Wings over Maple Leafs, 5-4, in crucial playoff push
TORONTO — The Detroit Red Wings' top line came through to keep the playoff chase alive.
Dylan Larkin scored 41 seconds into overtime to lead the Wings to a 5-4 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday at Scotiabank Arena, giving the Wings 87 points with two games remaining. The Wings (39-32-9) host the Canadiens Monday and play at Montreal Tuesday.
By the time the first period ended, the Wings were in a good spot, with a pair of goals from Alex Debrincat and one each from Simon Edvinsson and David Perron.
By the time the second period ended, the Wings were in dire straights. Not just because they had surrendered a three-goal lead as Nicholas Robertson, Auston Matthews and John Tavares all scored on James Reimer, but because of two afternoon games. The Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers both won to reach 87 points., and with them playing Tuesday, one of them is guaranteed to reach 89 points, and both hold the first tie-breaker on Detroit with 30 regulation victories each.
Milestone for Reimer
A convergence of events worked in favor of James Reimer getting his start: He led the Wings to victory in Toronto back in January; he used to play for the Leafs, so he's used to the arena, and Alex Lyon looked like he needed a break after battling the puck in the 6-5 overtime loss to Pittsburgh. Last but not least, it was Reimer's 500th career game. "These milestones are just impressive," coach Derek Lalonde said. "Eightieth goalie to reach 500 games, and the way he did it - compete, hard work. I think it's fitting he's doing it here in Toronto in a meaningful game for our organization." Reimer came through with 31 saves.
DeBrincat finally scores again
Joe Veleno's check on Timothy Liljegren near the midpoint of the first period left the Wings shorthanded, and they fell behind when Mitch Marner converted on an open shot from the left side, just 22 seconds into the power play. The Wings tied the game in less than two minutes, with a much-needed goal from DeBrincat. The two-time former 40-goal scorer (with Chicago) had been stuck on 24 goals since March 26, but his hot hands from the previous game, when he set up all three of Lucas Raymond's goal, finished a setup by Raymond at 10:02. Larkin also assisted, giving that line 13 points going back to the previous game. DeBrincat scored again at 17:37.
The beginning looked promising
Edvinsson, the rookie defenseman called up from the minors in mid-March, sandwiched his first goal of the season between DeBrincat's pair. Edvinsson controlled the puck along the boards, strode in and passed it to David Perron who was by the net. Perron sent it back to Edvinsson, who was in position to redirect the pass in behind Ilya Samsonov. Edvinsson dropped to his left knee as he raised his arms in celebration. Perron added his second point of the night by scoring with 16.8 seconds to play in the first period, giving the Wings a 4-1 advantage.
Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her @helenestjames.
Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter. Her latest book, “On the Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL Draft,” is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Triumph Books. Personalized copies available via her e-mail.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dylan Larkin's OT goal lifts Detroit Red Wings over Maple Leafs, 5-4
