Red Wings Notebook: Defense Contributing to Offense in a Big Way

Originally posted on Detroit Hockey Now | By Bob Duff | Last updated 1/1/24

One notable stat from Sunday’s 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins was that two-thirds of the goals scored by the Detroit Red Wings came from defensemen.

Jake Walman scored first for Detroit. It was his third goal in two games and ninth of the season. That leaves him a tie for second in the NHL for goals from a rearguard. He also was equaling his career high for goals in season.

Ben Chiarot also scored, briefly moving the Red Wings into a 2-2 before the Bruins would pull back in front.

“It’s great anytime you can get offense from the back end,” Chiarot said. “That will help you win a game but wasn’t enough tonight obviously. As defensemen, we’re always looking to jump in and contribute.”

Wally nets his 9th. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/Kvfibb5eDd

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 31, 2023

This season, Detroit defenders are contributing at a pace not seen in over 20 seasons. Walman, Shayne Gostisbehere (seven goals) and Moritz Seider (five) are are on track to collect double digits in the goals column.

The Red Wings have 26 goals from defensemen this season, trailing only Colorado (28) and Montréal (27) for the NHL lead.

The last time the Red Wings saw three defensemen score 10+ goals in the same season was in 1999-2000. Steve Duchesne (10), Nicklas Lidstrom (20) and Larry Murphy (10) all did it that season.

The club single-season record is four defenseman wth 10+ goals. That was in 1993-94. Paul Coffey (14), Steve Chiasson (13), Vladimir Konstantinov (12) and Lidstrom (10) formed this quartet.

Compher Finding His Game

Scoring for Detroit during a late third-period power play, center J.T. Compher was extending his point-scoring streak to three games. It was his eighth game back from injury, yet Compher was feeling that he still is seeking to get back to where he was at prior to the injury.

Count it! pic.twitter.com/0Cj6vhrgsP

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 31, 2023

“I think that I still can play better,” Compher said. “I feel like sometimes when you come back, it takes you a couple of games. I still think there’s more to my game.”

Ice Chips

Boston halted the point streak of Red Wings left-winger Patrick Kane at six games . . . With an assist, Red wings forward Alex DeBrincat extended his scoring streak to five games.

This article first appeared on Detroit Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

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