Dylan Larkin’s breakaway goal in overtime secured a 2-1 victory for the Detroit Red Wings over the Tampa Bay Lightning, extending their winning streak to four games and highlighting a resilient performance at Little Caesars Arena. The October 17, 2025, matchup saw key contributions from rookies and goaltenders, despite both teams missing star players due to injury and illness.
In the first period, the Red Wings established early dominance, outshooting the Lightning and capitalizing on a delayed penalty situation. Rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka, playing in his fifth NHL game, scored his first career goal at 13:02 by firing a wrist shot that deflected off a Tampa Bay player and past goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. This moment energized the home crowd and set the tone for Detroit’s controlled play, with the team registering the first 10 shots of the game. Sandin-Pellikka’s achievement underscored the team’s promising youth movement and depth on defense.
Throughout the second period, Detroit maintained pressure, holding a 22-11 shot advantage after 40 minutes, but struggled to convert on power-play opportunities. Their penalty kill, however, remained effective, possessing the puck for extended stretches and denying the Lightning any significant chances. Tampa Bay, playing without Nikita Kucherov due to illness, found it difficult to generate offense, with coach Jon Cooper noting that his team felt like they were ‘climbing a hill’ early on. The Red Wings’ disciplined play kept the Lightning at bay, though the game remained tight.
The third period saw a dramatic shift as Tampa Bay intensified their attack, outshooting Detroit 19-6 and eventually tying the game. J.J. Moser scored from the point at 16:17, beating Red Wings goaltender John Gibson through heavy traffic to make it 1-1. This late surge forced overtime, with the Lightning outshooting the Red Wings 31-28 by the end of regulation. Gibson, making his first start since being pulled in the season opener, was instrumental in keeping Detroit in the game, making several key saves under pressure.
Overtime delivered a thrilling conclusion when a Lightning 3-on-2 breakaway opportunity went awry. A cross-slot pass from Jake Guentzel bounced over Victor Hedman’s stick and off the boards, allowing Dylan Larkin to corral the puck and race down the ice alone. Larkin calmly slipped the puck between Vasilevskiy’s pads at 3:36 of the extra period for the game-winner, his 10th overtime goal in Red Wings history, moving him closer to Sergei Fedorov’s franchise record of 12. The play exemplified the unpredictability of overtime hockey, where a defensive miscue can instantly turn into an offensive opportunity.
John Gibson’s 31-save performance was pivotal in the victory, marking a strong rebound from his season-opening struggles. Red Wings coach Todd McLellan praised Gibson’s resilience, noting that the goaltender has consistently delivered such performances throughout his career. Detroit also benefited from Sandin-Pellikka’s offensive contribution and solid team defense, though they were without forward Lucas Raymond, who missed his second straight game with an upper-body injury. McLellan indicated that Raymond could return soon, adding to the team’s offensive options.
For Tampa Bay, the loss extended their winless streak, with coach Cooper expressing disappointment but acknowledging the fine margins in overtime. The Lightning, who also lost in overtime to Washington earlier in the week, will look to regroup as they continue their road trip. Kucherov’s absence was felt, as he is just three points away from reaching 1,000 career NHL points, but his availability for upcoming games remains uncertain.
The win boosts Detroit’s record to 4-1-0, reinforcing their strong start to the season and building confidence within the locker room. As they prepare for future matchups, including a game against the Edmonton Oilers, the Red Wings aim to sustain this momentum and solidify their position in the competitive Atlantic Division. The team’s ability to win in various styles—from offensive showcases to gritty, defensive battles—suggests a well-rounded squad capable of contending as the season progresses.