Lucas Raymond’s late-game heroics, scoring with just 25 seconds left in overtime following a game-tying goal at 1:17 remaining in regulation, propelled the Detroit Red Wings to a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night, keeping their playoff aspirations alive.
Reflecting on the dramatic win, J.T. Compher, who contributed two crucial goals for Detroit, emphasized the significance of the victory: “All tonight did is give us an opportunity… a chance to finish the job.”
With their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, the Red Wings now look to their final regular-season matchup against Montreal, knowing that a victory combined with a Washington loss against Philadelphia would secure their playoff berth.
Coach Derek Lalonde acknowledged the team’s remarkable progress this season, exceeding preseason expectations and positioning themselves for a last-minute playoff push. “It’s here now,” Lalonde remarked. “It’s going to be a challenge.”
Despite facing early deficits and formidable opposition from Montreal, the Red Wings displayed resilience, with Raymond’s overtime winner sparking jubilant celebrations both on the ice and among the fervent fans in attendance.
Brendan Gallagher’s two-goal performance and Sam Montembeault’s solid goaltending efforts weren’t enough to secure victory for the Canadiens, who found themselves unable to hold onto their lead against a determined Detroit squad.
The Red Wings’ journey to playoff contention marks a significant turnaround from their previous postseason drought, ending a streak of 25 consecutive playoff appearances in 2016. With passionate fans eagerly awaiting a return to playoff hockey, the atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena was electric for the team’s final home game of the regular season.
Montreal’s efforts, led by standout performances from Lane Hutson and Brendan Gallagher, underscored their determination to avoid another disappointing season, aiming to break their playoff dry spell and avoid finishing at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division for the third consecutive year.
