GAME REVIEW OCT. 17, 2025: Red Wings Edge Lightning 2-1 in Overtime Thriller
The Detroit Red Wings continued their impressive early-season form, securing their fourth consecutive victory with a hard-fought 2-1 overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Friday night contest at Little Caesars Arena featured stellar goaltending, a milestone moment for a rookie defenseman, and captain Dylan Larkin playing hero in the extra frame.
First Period
The Red Wings’ defensive structure was on full display early, holding Tampa Bay without a shot on goal for the first 12:42 of the game. Even when the Lightning went on the power play midway through the period, Detroit’s penalty kill remained perfect.
The breakthrough came at 13:02 of the first period when rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka scored his first NHL goal. The young blueliner whipped a shot from the high slot that found its way through traffic and past Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, giving Detroit a 1-0 lead. Captain Dylan Larkin and Mason Appleton picked up the assists on the milestone marker.
“I wasn’t sure if it hit Appleton before,” said Sandin-Pellikka after the game. “He had to point at me. As soon as he gave me the point, I started just screaming. I don’t really know what happened, but it was unbelievable.”
With this goal, Sandin-Pellikka became the third-youngest defenseman in Red Wings franchise history to score his first NHL goal in the past 35 years.
Second Period
The middle frame remained a defensive battle with neither team finding the back of the net. Detroit’s penalty kill continued to shine, shutting down two more Tampa Bay power plays. The Red Wings have been exceptional while shorthanded this season, successfully killing 11 of 12 penalties (91.7%).
Third Period
Tampa Bay eventually broke through to tie the game at 1-1, forcing overtime. Despite the equalizer, Detroit’s John Gibson was outstanding between the pipes, making several key saves to ensure the game reached the extra session.
Overtime
At 3:36 of overtime, Dylan Larkin delivered the game-winner in spectacular fashion. After receiving a pass from J.T. Compher, the Red Wings’ captain raced in on a breakaway and blasted a shot past Vasilevskiy to secure the 2-1 victory. The goal marked Larkin’s 10th career overtime winner.
Standout Performances
John Gibson (Detroit Red Wings)
Making his first start as a Red Wing, Gibson was phenomenal in net, stopping 31 of 32 shots faced. His steady presence gave Detroit the goaltending they needed in crucial moments.
“The guys did a really good job tonight in front of me,” Gibson said post-game. “Blocking shots and clearing the shooting lanes, so it helped me out. It was a good team win.”
Axel Sandin-Pellikka (Detroit Red Wings)
The rookie defenseman’s first NHL goal was a moment to remember, opening the scoring and giving Detroit the early advantage they needed.
Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings)
The captain was clutch when it mattered most, scoring the overtime winner and adding an assist on Sandin-Pellikka’s goal for a two-point night.
Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Despite the loss, Vasilevskiy was solid for Tampa Bay, making 29 saves and giving his team a chance to earn a point on the road.
Coach’s Corner
Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan praised his team’s adaptability through the early part of the season while acknowledging areas for improvement:
“We’ve seen a little bit of everything, to tell you the truth. We’ve seen our team play really well when we’re completely in charge. We’ve seen a goaltender steal a game in Toronto. We’ve seen a fairly well-played game coming back here. Tonight, we kind of saw two games in one.”
McLellan highlighted the need for improvement on the power play, noting that it “has to score or establish momentum, and it didn’t do either of that.”
Special Event
Adding to the electric atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena was “Star Wars Night,” which provided extra entertainment for the sold-out crowd.
What’s Next
With the victory, the Red Wings improved to 4-1-0 (8 points) on the season, continuing their strong start to the 2025-26 campaign. Meanwhile, the Lightning dropped to 1-2-2 (4 points) and will look to rebound in their next contest.
The Red Wings’ impressive penalty kill (11-for-12 on the season) and balanced attack have been key factors in their early success, as they continue to forge their identity under Coach McLellan’s system.
Photos: Tim Jarrold – In Play! magazine
