In Detroit, the Red Wings’ Tomas Tatar netted his first NHL career hat trick and tipped his helmet to the arena boards in the respect to the generosity of the bounces he received.
Jonathan Bernier was the victim of the bounces especially the second of Tatar’s second goal that bounced in off the goalie’s leg.
“It’s a really tough building for visiting goalies because they aren’t used to the bounce off the boards,” Bernier said. “I thought that puck was going to end up behind the net and it shot back at me.”
The Anaheim Ducks had been leading the game 3-1 before Tatar’s bounce-in goal.
“That was perfect timing because that bounce changed the whole game,” Tatar said. “We know we haven’t been good enough in the last four games, but we’ve needed some bounces, too.”
Petr Mrazek made 21 saves in picking up the win for the struggling Red Wings.
Rickard Rakell scored twice for the Ducks in the loss.
“You can’t give up six goals and win in this league, or in any league,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. “We scored enough to win, but you can’t give up more than two if you want to consistently win games.”
Shea Theodore and Cam Fowler also scored for the Ducks.
“I got to check a box on my list. I really wanted to score a goal here before they closed this place,” Fowler said. Fowler grew up the Detroit area.
WATCH: All Ducks vs. Red Wings highlights
John Gibson came into the in relief after Bernier had given up four goals.
“Our process was really good tonight after it hadn’t been for the last two games. That’s what pleased me the most,” Detroit head coach Jeff Blashill said.
Dylan Larkin , Xavier Ouellet and Frans Nielsen added goals for Detroit.
“This is a big relief because this has really been a tough stretch,” Nielsen said. “This will get some confidence back in the room.”
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