(Detroit) Steve Yzerman’s patience is starting to pay off with the Detroit Red Wings.
The Red Wings beat the Washington Capitals 8-3 on Tuesday night, recording their sixth straight victory for the first time in nearly five years. Additionally, they scored eight goals in a match for the first time since 2017.
“We still have work to do at certain levels, but the signs are encouraging,” Yzerman admitted in an interview with the Associated Press after his team’s recent victory. Our team is getting tougher and tougher. »
Yzerman returned to Detroit in April 2019 — three years after Michigan’s last playoff game — with the difficult mandate of reviving a team that had dominated the NHL for most of the previous two decades.
The hockey player, who is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, spent most of his sporting career in Hockeytown, where he is still one of the favorite athletes in the hearts of fans. They have always supported him, even if the results are slow to come for the Red Wings.
PHOTO DUANE BURLESON, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
The latter seem to have regained their composure, and they could participate in the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
“They are one of the best clubs in the NHL,” said Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery.
Recently, he is not wrong.
The Red Wings currently have the longest winning streak among Eastern Conference teams — tied in the league with the Nashville Predators — and they lead the draft race. The Red Wings are also approaching the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have the third and final bye granted to teams guaranteed to participate in the post-season series in the Atlantic section.
The Capitals and the New York Islanders, who will be the visitors at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday night, are among the teams hot on the heels of the Red Wings.
“All our matches are important, but especially those against teams that are chasing us,” said center Joe Veleno. We are aware that we have to give a little more when they come to our amphitheater. It’s nice to be able to play such important matches. »
If Michigan beats the Islanders, it will have its first seven-game winning streak since January 2012.
“These four-point games are new for us,” admitted Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde. At this point in the season, the sense of urgency is a little more present. »
PHOTO KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVES
The team’s fans, which include Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, are clearly galvanized by the prospect of it making the playoffs. Their seven-year streak without a playoff appearance is the Red Wings’ longest since the 1970s.
Lalonde now hopes Lions head coach Dan Campbell will be the next to attend a Red Wings game.
“I took out the bat signal,” Lalonde joked. I know he’s at the NFL prospect evaluation camp right now. But I would like him to come and talk with our players, to inspire them. »
The Montreal Canadiens will play their last two games of the regular schedule, on April 15 and 16, against the Red Wings. Matches that could be decisive for Lalonde’s squad.
With The Canadian Press