DETROIT (AP) — In an electrifying overtime finish, Dylan Larkin propelled the Detroit Red Wings to a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night, scoring on a thrilling breakaway just 3:36 into the extra period.

Earlier in the game, Axel Sandin-Pellikka made a memorable mark by netting his first NHL goal during the first period. This significant achievement also marked the Swedish defenseman’s first career point. Larkin, continuing his impressive form, assisted on Sandin-Pellikka’s goal, extending his streak of earning at least one point in each of Detroit’s five games this season.

John Gibson, who was acquired from Anaheim in an offseason trade, played a pivotal role for the Red Wings by making 32 crucial saves. This appearance was a strong comeback for Gibson, given his challenging season opener where he was pulled out in the second period after conceding five goals to Montreal.

For the Lightning, defenseman J.J. Moser equalized the score with just 3:43 left on the clock. Andrei Vasilevskiy was commendable in the net, turning away 29 shots for Tampa Bay, which now stands at 1-0-2 on their current four-game road trip.

Both teams faced the challenge of playing without their leading scorers from the previous season, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the intense matchup.

Tampa Bay star forward Nikita Kucherov was a late scratch due to an illness. Kucherov needs three points to reach 1,000 for his career. Detroit’s Lucas Raymond missed his second consecutive game due to an upper body injury.

Sandin-Pellikka’s goal came with 6:58 remaining in the first period during a delayed Lightning penalty. His shot from near the blue line beat Vasilevskiy on the stick side.

Tampa Bay didn’t even have a shot on goal until 35 seconds after Sandin-Pellikka scored.

Both teams had two power plays in the second period but neither mustered a goal.

The Lightning ramped up the pressure in the third period and finally broke through on Moser’s shot from the point past a screened Gibson.

Up next

Lightning: Visit Columbus on Saturday night.

Red Wings: Host Edmonton on Sunday afternoon.

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