DeBrincat scores twice, Lyon’s 25 saves and more: 3 reasons behind Detroit Red Wings 4-2 win over Washington Capitals

The Detroit Red Wings pulled out a gritty 4-2 win over the Washington Capitals on Sunday night. The Red Wings snapped a four-game losing skid with the win at Little Caesars Arena.

Alex DeBrincat scored twice for the Red Wings, with Patrick Kane adding a power play goal and Lucas Raymond notching his 15th of the season. Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin got one step closer to Wayne Gretzky’s record, scoring his 17th of the year. Nic Dowd had the other tally for the Caps.

Here’s a closer look at three reasons why Detroit won over Washington on Sunday.

3 reasons why Detroit Red Wings won 4-2 over Washington Capitals

#3. Alex Lyon held the fort

Backup Alex Lyon got the start against the Capitals on Sunday night after starter Cam Talbot was chased in the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday night. Lyon came into that game, making two saves in an uneventful third period.

Lyon held the fort for the Detroit Red Wings, making 25 saves on the night. Most importantly, Lyon stood tall as the Capitals pressured to tie the game in the third period. The Caps outshot the Wings 12-7 in the third, but Lyon was equal to the task.

#2. Patrick Kane’s power play goal

Patrick Kane has been relatively quiet over the last five games for the Detroit Red Wings. He registered just one assist in the game against the Montreal Canadiens on December 20 before notching two points on Sunday night against the Caps.

Kane registered a goal and an assist to bring his point total to 16 in 31 games this season. While Kane is hardly the 100-point producer he once was, the two-point effort was indicative of how much the Wings need depth scoring to support a turnaround under new coach Todd McLellan.

#1. DeBrincat’s two goals

Like Kane, Alex DeBrincat had been quiet in recent games. Before Sunday night, DeBrincat had a lone assist in the Dec. 20 game against Montreal. But on Sunday night, DeBrincat erupted for two goals.

DeBrincat’s performance was crucial as the Red Wings needed their top scorers to get going. In addition, Lucas Raymond notched two points (1G, 1A) and Dylan Larkin had one helper. The solid all-around effort from the Wings’ top players is significant in making a good impression on their new coach.

The Red Wings will hit the ice again on Tuesday night as they host the Pittsburgh Penguins in a big New Year’s Eve clash.