In the ice hockey league NHL, the battle for playoff spots is tough in both East and West. In Wednesday’s round, the Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche boosted their stocks in the hunt for a spot in the top 16.
The battle for the last playoff spots in the East could be a real nail biter. The Detroit Red Wings, who were more or less counted out recently, have now signed up for playoff contention. In practice, it is about six teams fighting for the last two places.
Detroit won on the road over the Edmonton Oilers 5–4 on penalty kicks for their fourth straight victory.
– It is difficult to win away from home and above all against a team with an offensive like this. Ville Husso was the difference in a close game, said Detroit head coach Derek Lalonde on the NHL website.
In Edmonton’s camp, the disappointment was palpable.
– We created enough chances to win but neglected the details, says coach Jay Woodcroft.
– I think we played quite well. Detroit didn’t get much going and we dominated. It’s frustrating, says star Leon Draisaitl in turn.
Pius Suter was responsible for the decisive penalty when he outwitted Jack Campbell.
Photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports/All Over Press
Pius Suter, Jack Campbell
It was Olli Määttä who gave Detroit the lead 4–2 late in the second period. The goal was the Finn’s fifth of the season. Early in the third period, Edmonton scored two quick goals and the game was tied 4-4 after both regular time and overtime.
Everything had to be decided on penalties where Detroit’s goalkeeper Ville Husso became a big hero when he snagged four of five Edmonton attempts.
Detroit team captain Dylan Larkin was noted for 1+1 in the match. His balance in the last five games is 6+3=9 points. Edmonton’s captain Connor McDavid was in his turn for 0+2 and is now up to 42+57=99 points. Teammate Draisaitl is second in the scoring league with 80 points.
Edmonton won the shots on goal 45–23 and Husso was credited with 41 saves on 45 shots.
| Law | Matches | Point |
|---|---|---|
| 7. Pittsburgh | 53 | 63 |
| 8. Washington | 56 | 62 |
| 9. NEW Islanders | 57 | 61 |
| 10. Florida | 57 | 60 |
| 11. Buffalo | 53 | 58 |
| 12. Detroit | 53 | 58 |
Minnesota in freefall
In the game Minnesota Wild–Colorado Avalanche, Artturi Lehkonen played until the winning goal. Colorado won the game 3–2 and Lehkonen was behind Colorado’s third goal scored by Nathan MacKinnon late in the second period.
Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot in the West. Minnesota has been lackluster lately, losing four of their last five games.
| Law | Matches | Point |
|---|---|---|
| 5. Seattle | 54 | 66 |
| 6. Edmonton | 55 | 66 |
| 7. Colorado | 53 | 63 |
| 8. Calgary | 54 | 61 |
| 9. Minnesota | 54 | 61 |
| 10. Nashville | 51 | 56 |
Connor Ingram netted Tampa Bay
The Arizona Coyotes–Tampa Bay Lightning match featured a rare result as the match was tied 0–0 after both regular time and overtime. Arizona won 1–0 on penalties.
Connor Ingram in Arizona’s goal had a flawless effort as he saved 47 of 47 shots.
Lawson Crouse, Connor Ingram and Juuso Välimäki celebrate the victory.
Photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports/All Over Press
Lawson Crouse, Juuso Välimäki, Connor Ingram
In the Arizona defense, Juuso Välimäki has taken on an increasingly large role. The Finn was recorded for a total of 26.10 in playing time and was Arizona’s ice time leader. It was Välimäki’s longest day at work in his NHL career and a real improvement on last week’s record 23.24.
The 24-year-old Välimäki, who is in his fourth season in the league, moved in October from Calgary to Arizona. In Calgary, he only broke the 20-minute mark in a few games.
Results
Toronto–Chicago 5–2
Arizona–Tampa Bay 1–0 (after penalties)
ARI: Matias Maccelli 0+0, +/- 0, 14.09
ARI: Juuso Välimäki 0+0, +/- 0. 26.10
Minnesota–Colorado 2–3
COL: Artturi Lehkonen 0+1, +1, 16.28
COL: Mikko Rantanen 0+0, -1, 21.44
Edmonton–Detroit 4–5 (after penalties)
EDM: Jesse Puljujärvi 0+0, +1, 11.25
IT: Wille Husso 41/45 saves
THAT: Olli Määttä 1+0, +/- 0, 21.50
Anaheim–Buffalo 3–7
BUF: Henri Jokiharju 0+1, +1, 16.06
Vancouver–NY Rangers 4–6
NEW: Kaapo Kakko 0+0, -1, 12.55
NEW: Niko Mikkola 0+1, -1, 16.31
