DeBrincat’s 3 points, PP scores twice: 3 reasons why Detroit Red Wings won 5-4 over Columbus Blue Jackets

The Detroit Red Wings won a heartstopper, 5-4. against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night at the Nationwide Arena. Jonatan Berggren scored the game-winner with less than a minute remaining to pull out a thrilling victory for the Wings.

Patrick Kane, Erik Gustafsson, Alex DeBrincat (PPG), and Dylan Larkin (PPG) got the tallies for the Red Wings. Meanwhile, James van Riemsdyk scored twice for the Columbus Blue Jackets, with Zack Werenski and Sean Monahan getting the other goals.

So, let’s take a look at the three main reasons why the Detroit Red Wings beat the Columbus Blue Jackets:

---

Three reasons why the Detroit Red Wings beat the Columbus Blue Jackets

#3 Team resilience

The Detroit Red Wings showed off their resilience against the Blue Jackets, bouncing back after coughing up the lead twice. First, the Red Wings gave up a 3-1 lead, surrendering two goals in the second period to head into the second intermission tied at 3-3.

Then, Dylan Larkin scored early in the third to give Detroit a 4-3 lead, but the Blue Jackets came back to tie the game with a little over two minutes left. But instead of folding up, the Red Wings scored late in the game to take home the two points.

The resilient effort is the result of new coach Todd McLellan lighting a fire under his team, encouraging them to persist. Thus far, it seems to be working very well.

#2 Power play was on fire, scores twice

The Red Wings got their power play going, scoring twice with the man advantage. Larkin and DeBrincat scored and assisted on each other’s goals.

Going 2-for-3 on the night was crucial for the Wings, as their overall game had been struggling before the coaching change. Since the change, the Red Wings seem motivated to turn things around.

Thus far, it seems that McLellan's system is yielding positive results, spurring the Red Wings’ special teams.

#1 Top scorers get going, led by DeBrincat's three-point night

Larkin, DeBrincat and Kane came through for the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night. Getting goals from their top-six was crucial, as the Wings’ top-six has been notoriously absent during their past losing streak.

Eventually, DeBrincat ended the game with three points, with Larkin and Kane getting two points apiece. Moving forward, the Wings will look for the top six to catch fire as the club looks to get out of the Atlantic Division cellar and potentially re-enter the playoff conversation.

The Red Wings will have Friday off before meeting the Winnipeg Jets on the road on Saturday night.