RALEIGH, N.C.– A quick look at the records of the Carolina Hurricanes (27-9-4) and the Detroit Red Wings (14-23-6) says it all; the Canes are one of the NHL’s premiere franchises at the moment, while the Wings continue to rebuild. However, the Wings stole 2 points to start the two-game slate with a 5-4 shootout win on Saturday.
On Monday, the Wings grabbed another upset victory, claiming 4 of 5 points in the two-game set with the Canes. The win marks just the 15th regulation win for the last place Wings in 2021. However, the 2 points gained brings them within striking distance of the Blue Jackets for 7th in the Central Division. Meanwhile, the loss brings the Canes to double-digit losses. They still hold the 2nd best record in the NHL but stay tied with the Lightning for the Central Lead with 58 points.
Through two periods, both teams were held scoreless until the 3rd period when the Wings started their attack. Just 24 seconds into the period, the Wings got on the scoreboard thanks to Adam Erne. He scored the 20,000th goal in franchise history to break the scoreless tie.
Soon after, two Canes’ penalties led to a 5 on 3 advantage for the Wings. The Canes were able to kill the two-man advantage, but the Wings caught Nino Niederreiter scrambling out of the box. Micahel Rammussen passed to Dylan Larkin, who found Filip Zadina for the 2nd goal of the game. The Canes added one goal but failed to come back as the Wings grabbed another 2 points over the Central Division leaders.
Red Wings Win after Dealing Mantha
Early in the day, the Red Wings were a part of one of the biggest moves in the NHL. With Monday’s NHL deadline approaching, the Wings dealt star winger Anthony Mantha to the Capitals. In exchange, the Wings receiver forwards Richard Panik and Jakub Vrana along with a 2021 1st round pick and a 2022 2nd round pick.
For the Capitals, they receive a star player to bolster their lineup for a playoff push. Meanwhile, the Wings say goodbye to one of their best players in recent years. Since being drafted in 2013, he scored 95 goals while gathering 194 points over his career in Detroit.
Still, the Wings were able to overcome the Canes thanks to strong goaltending and timely goals. Jonathan Bernier was solid in net, saving 37 of 38 shots on goal. Individually, Adam Erne continues a hot stretch for the Wings. His goal gave him his 7th point in the month of April and his 5th against the Canes this season.
