Detroit Red Wings vs Utah Hockey Club – March 6 2025

On March 6, 2025, the Detroit Red Wings hosted the Utah Hockey Club at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit for an exciting NHL matchup. The game showcased an impressive comeback by the visiting team, with Utah securing a 4-2 victory over the Red Wings.

First Period: Red Wings Take Early Lead

The game started with a burst of energy from both teams, but it was the Red Wings who struck first:

1. 2:08 – Utah Hockey Club opened the scoring with Dylan Guenther netting his 23rd goal of the season. Alexander Kerfoot (10) and Michael Kesselring (18) provided the assists.
2. 3:17 – Detroit quickly responded as Dylan Larkin scored his 25th goal of the season, assisted by Elmer Soderblom (5) and Vladimir Tarasenko (17).
3. 8:49 – The Red Wings took the lead with Jonatan Berggren scoring his 10th goal, assisted by Tyler Motte (3) and Patrick Kane (24).

At the end of the first period, Detroit held a 2-1 lead over Utah.

Second Period: Utah Evens the Score

The second period saw Utah fight back to level the game:

1. 13:01 – Nick Schmaltz scored a power-play goal, his 13th of the season, for Utah. Barrett Hayton (19) and Clayton Keller (48) provided the assists.

The score was tied 2-2 heading into the final period.

Third Period: Utah’s Comeback

Utah dominated the third period, scoring two unanswered goals to secure the win:

1. 2:55 – Kevin Stenlund gave Utah the lead with his 8th goal of the season, assisted by Michael Kesselring (19).
2. 7:51 – Lawson Crouse extended Utah’s lead with his 10th goal, assisted by Jack McBain (7) and Josh Doan (8).

Game Statistics

• Final Score: Utah Hockey Club 4, Detroit Red Wings 2
• Total Shots on Goal:
  • Utah Hockey Club: 19
  • Detroit Red Wings: 40

Despite outshooting their opponents, the Red Wings couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. Utah’s goaltender, Karel Vejmelka, had an outstanding performance, making 38 saves with a .950 save percentage.

Key Players

• Karel Vejmelka (Utah): 38 saves, .950 save percentage
• Kevin Stenlund (Utah): 1 goal (game-winning)
• Michael Kesselring (Utah): 2 assists
• Dylan Larkin (Detroit): 1 goal
• Lucas Raymond (Detroit): 2 assists

Game Impact

This victory marked Utah’s fourth win in their last five games, improving their record to 28-25-9. The loss extended Detroit’s losing streak to four games, dropping their record to 30-26-6.

The game showcased Utah’s resilience and ability to come from behind, while highlighting Detroit’s struggles to maintain leads and capitalize on scoring opportunities. As the NHL season progresses, both teams will look to build on this game’s lessons in their pursuit of a playoff spot.

Photos: Tim Jarrold – In Play! magazine