Dylan Larkin's late OT goal propels Red Wings past Lightning

Field Level Media|published: Fri 17th October, 22:06 2025

Oct 17, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) blocks a shot by Detroit Red Wings left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) during the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images

Dylan Larkin's breakaway goal with 1:24 left in overtime lifted the host Detroit Red Wings to a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka scored his first career goal during the first period. Larkin assisted on the rookie's first-period marker and has contributed at least one point in all of the Red Wings' five games this season.

John Gibson made 31 saves. It was a bounce back effort for Gibson, who allowed five goals in less than two periods to Montreal during the Red Wings' season opener. Gibson was acquired in a trade with Anaheim during the offseason to be the team's No. 1 goaltender but hadn't played since that first game flop.

The Lightning's J.J. Moser tied the game with 3:43 remaining in regulation. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 29 shots.

Both teams were lacking their best offensive weapon.

The Lightning's Nikita Kucherov, one of the league's premier scorers, was a late scratch due to an illness. Lucas Raymond, Detroit's leading scorer last season, missed his second consecutive game due to an upper body injury.

The breakthrough goal for Sandin-Pellikka, a 20-year-old defenseman from Sweden, occurred with 6:58 left in the opening period. His shot from just inside the blue line zipped past a screened Vasilevskiy. Larkin and Mason Appleton were credited with the assists.

Detroit controlled the play most of the period, doubling up the Lightning in shots on goal, 12-6.

Both sides had a pair of power plays during the second period. Detroit once again doubled up Tampa Bay in shots on goal, 10-5, but there was still a lack of quality chances.

Midway through the third, Gibson made a glove save against Mitchell Chaffee while spread out on the ice during a scramble in front of the net. Gibson robbed Jake Guentzel on back-to-back shots moments later.

Moser ended the Lightning's drought with a shot from the point with 3:43 left. Victor Hedman and Conor Geekie picked up the assists.

Larkin beat Vasilevskiy on the stick side for the game-winner.

The Lightning wrap up a four-game road trip at Columbus on Saturday, while the Red Wings host Edmonton on Sunday.

--Field Level Media

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