The Detroit Red Wings and the Carolina Hurricanes battled to a stalemate through most of the third period, with neither team able to gain a clear advantage. However, with just 3.2 seconds left on the clock, Andrew Copp found Jake Walman streaking into the offensive zone and set him up for a game-winning snipe that beat the buzzer. The goal secured a hard-fought 3-2 win for the Red Wings against a talented Carolina team, and gave Walman a moment to remember for a long time to come.

After the game, when Jake Walman was asked how it felt to play the role of spoiler by winning two games in a row against playoff-contending teams, he responded with:

“It’s not really spoiling for us. I think it’s just, these games are meaningful for us and the young team that we got. It’s a lot of experience playing against teams that are battling for playoff spots. This is our playoffs, so every game’s important. I think it’ll help us next year, and in the long run.”

Red Wings’ Nedeljkovic Continues to Excel Against Hurricanes

Alex Nedeljkovic, the former Carolina Hurricane turned Detroit Red Wing, has been putting on a show every time he faces his former team. In four games against the Hurricanes since coming to Detroit. Nedeljkovic has racked up three wins with an impressive 2.23 goals against average and .936 save percentage.

When asked about playing against his former team. Nedeljkovic‘ was questioned if it gives him an extra push. He replied with:

It’s always special playing against a former team.. Not any more excited or in tuned or zoned in than if it was anybody else I was playing against. So, just more coincidence.  I like playing against these guys. They like throwing pucks on that. So, uh, sometimes it’s a good stat booster, but, uh, they can go south pretty quick if you let it.

https://twitter.com/DetroitRedWings/status/1641627745661734912

 Edvinsson’ Moves to the Top 4

The game saw Simon Edvinsson getting top-line minutes for the first time. Although he did encounter some struggles and received a few questionable penalties. Despite that, it was a valuable opportunity for the young player to gain experience against a top team.

Postgame Coach Lalonde was asked about Simon Edvinsson’s performance after being given top line minutes for the first time.

I don’t think this was at the level of where he was the previous three games. But we didn’t shield him as much. He had some AHO shifts. He’s been playing on elite teams, tough too hard hide from. He faced their top six a few times and did good.

Good night, Hockeytown. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/Mp5doIzOMS

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 31, 2023

 

Follow WSN Detroit Red Wings Beat Reporter & Co-Host of Chompin’ Puck (@MichaelGentryJr) for more content & updates!

Photo Credit: © Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports