Raymond’s first NHL goal

Dave Bartkowiak Jr., Digital Managing Editor

Published: October 20, 2021 at 9:50 AM

Tags: RW Newsletter, Newsletter, DRW Newsletter

🚨 The Red Wings have earned 5 out of a possible 6 points at the start of this season. They have one more game to play to complete the four-game homestand before heading to Montreal.

Raymond scores first NHL goal

Lucas Raymond has not disappointed. He’s been impressive in his first NHL competitions with 3 points in three games. One of those points is a goal scored Tuesday night against the Blue Jackets, his first of his NHL career. It was a top-shelf snipe from the right wing, opening the scoring in the 3rd period to give the Red Wings a 1-0 lead.

Game recap: Raymond scores 1st NHL goal, Red Wings top Blue Jackets 4-1

That line of Raymond, Tyler Bertuzzi and Dylan Larkin is formidable, but the important thing is it doesn’t stop there for the Red Wings. For the first time in a while we are seeing a Red Wings roster with some actual depth. They are rolling out four effective lines with three solid defensive pairings, thanks largely to the addition of rookie Moritz Seider.

Seider has stepped into this lineup as if he’s been playing in the NHL for at least a few years. He’s so mean in the corners, too -- you love to see that kind of imposing attitude from a Red Wings defenseman. He also handles the puck as well as anyone. He’s the complete package. It’s unbelievable, really. He’s just a true gift for us to watch right now.

Detroit’s depth was on display Tuesday night as they wore down the Blue Jackets. The Jackets were held to very few scoring chances, and probably wouldn’t have beaten Thomas Greiss at all if not for a power play in the third period. Bertuzzi was called for roughing when he came to the defense of Raymond who had been put into the boards from behind (he’s OK, don’t worry). Boone Jenner capitalized on the man advantage.

But the Red Wings kept the team defense tight to finish the game. They scored two empty-net goals, and just like that they were on the right side of a 4-1 hockey game. Imagine that.

Let’s see if they can keep this up. The 82-game season is long.

Note: Troy Stecher was scratched for a third consecutive game. 🤷‍♂️