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Evgeny.
Svechnikov.

👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/rPhBuokcHy

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 28, 2021

Svechnikov made the roster tonight, and made a difference. While he didn’t convert on his breakaway from the neutral zone turnover by Chicago, he stuck with the play and tapped one in at the side of the net. Evgeni’s assist on Nielsen’s first of the year was also impressive.

It was a night of firsts for Detroit. Helm netted his first goal, a beautiful shot while alone in the crease. Svechnikov scored his first, and Nielsen scored his first (assisted by Svech). The power play also broke through for the first time in more than 30 tries. Djoos netted his second, nearly identical to his first. Waited out the defender and then a beautiful wrist shot. Glendening and Erne added to the offense again, assisting on Helm’s goal.

In the pregame post I mused that Bernier would have to be brilliant, and a power play goal would obviously be welcome. Bernier stopped 33 of 36, and the power play broke through. It was another night of depth scoring. Ryan netted his sixth off of a nice feed from Fabbri, but all the other goals were from the “unusual suspects”. Three firsts and a second.

Svechnikov did everything you can do to try and claim a roster spot. I would hope that he gets in the lineup more regularly, but it’s up to him to stay there. For tonight, it’s good to see the big winger smile and get a puck for the mantle.

Chicago had outshot Detroit 13-7 in the first, but Bernier kept the gate shut. Helm’s goal was an important answer, just 16 seconds after Chicago had scored. That gets the bench pumped up, and is a nice tip of the cap to Bernier for all the times he’s kept you in it. This was the first game of the back to back, and the teams will meet again in less than 24 hours. I expect Chicago to be in a sour mood. Opening the series this time with a win is a welcome change, to be sure.

So, welcome to Svechnikov! You made the most of the opportunity. The “release” I referred to is the power play and Helm and Nielsen getting their first. Also seeing Glendening and Erne on the score sheet is a welcome surprise. Detroit got their first win in this 8 game series, we’ll see if they can replicate the effort (and a bit of luck) in tomorrow’s tilt.

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