Detroit Red Wings’ Viktor Arvidsson Records Hat Trick In Win Over Chicago Blackhawks

Viktor Arvidsson celebrates his third goal of the game with teammates© AFP

The Detroit Red Wings responded to a difficult day off the ice with a strong performance against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. Viktor Arvidsson led the way with a three-goal night, while Lucas Raymond also found the net in Detroit's latest home game. The result gave the Red Wings another positive result during a strong stretch of hockey, as they continued to collect points despite the attention surrounding the organization. Patrick Kane also received a warm reception in his return to Little Caesars Arena, where he had spent the previous three seasons.

Viktor Arvidsson Leads Detroit Red Wings Past Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago opened the scoring at 5:59 of the first period. Connor Bedard converted a rebound after Wyatt Kaiser's shot was stopped by John Gibson, giving the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead. Roman Kantserov recorded his first NHL assist on the goal.

Detroit responded in the second period when Arvidsson tipped William Wallinder's point shot past Spencer Knight at 7:31. The game remained tied after Frank Nazar missed a penalty shot. Andreas Englund had been called for hooking Nazar on a breakaway, but Gibson made a pad save to keep the score at 1-1.

Raymond put Detroit ahead with a power-play goal at 1:09 of the third period. Arvidsson extended the advantage at 15:26 by pushing the puck through a crowded crease before completing his sixth career hat trick with an empty-net goal at 16:45.

Todd McLellan Praises Red Wings Performance After Difficult Day

Detroit coach Todd McLellan was pleased with how his players handled the circumstances surrounding the game.

“We're moving on,” McLellan said. “That's been going on for too long, and it is all we ever talked about. We just played a heck of a game tonight.”
McLellan also praised the team's response after returning from a road trip.

“This was a day that could have gone either way. We're coming off the road trip and there's the other stuff going on, but the group pulled together and played as a team.”

Arvidsson credited his line combination with Alex DeBrincat and Emmitt Finnie for helping his performance.

“Our second and third periods were outstanding,” Arvidsson said. “This is fun, I'm not going to lie. Playing with (DeBrincat) and (Finnie) has been working really well, and I'm just trying to do my part.”

Patrick Kane Receives Warm Reception in Detroit Return

Kane received a long-standing ovation after a tribute video played during the first period. The forward spent the previous three seasons with Detroit before returning to Chicago.

“This was a very special place for me for a few years,” Kane said. “The fans have been great to me since I came here, and they've always been really good with my family.”

Gibson finished with 18 saves, while Knight stopped 27 shots. Andrew Copp took Larkin's place between Raymond and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, recording a minus-1 rating and winning eight of 18 face-offs in 18:08 of ice time.