What a memorable first NHL start for goaltender Michal Postava on Monday, Oct. 27.
Postava was the Red Wings' star, keying the Wings' 4-3 shootout victory in Edmonton, over the Oilers.
After Postava was outstanding in overtime, Postava stopped Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in the shootout — McDavid and Draisaitl are the top two scorers in the NHL — while Lucas Raymond scored a goal for the Wings, giving the Wings a winning record on this four-game road trip (2-1-1).
Dylan Larkin tied the game 3-3, forcing overtime. With Postava pulled, Larkin's second goal of the season at 18 minutes 43 seconds of the third period, putting a centering pass form Lucas Raymond,
But it was Postava, who stopped 25 shots, in his first start, who was calm and poised throughout the game, while facing the prolific McDavid and Draisaitl all evening.
Colton Dach got his stick on Ryan Shea's point shot at 16:32 of the third period, breaking a tie and giving the Oilers a 3-2 lead. Video confirmed Dach's stick was below the cross bar, making it a legal goal.
But the Wings rallied, controlling the puck with Postava pulled, and Larkin sending the game into overtime.
The Wings were 1-for-4 on the power play, while Edmonton went 1-for-3.
Viktor Arvidsson (power play) and Emmitt Finnie added Wings (5-4-3) goals.
Vasily Podkolzin, Isaac Howard (power play) scored for the Oilers (8-2-2).
Here is a recap of the game:▶ First period: Edmonton's Podkolzin scored the lone goal in the period. Leon Draisaitl threw a pass into the slot where the puck appeared to deflect of a stick — or sticks — and Podkolzin's stick was one of them, his eighth goal. The Wings had two power plays in the period but couldn't convert. The Wings out-shot the Oilers, 6-5.▶ Second period: Arvidsson tied the game 1-1 with a power play goal, his fourth power play goal (fifth overall). Raymond found Arvidsson from a steep angle down low, and Arvidsson one-timed the pass past Jarry. Podkolzin had another prime scoring opportunity late in the period, with Draisaitl teeing up a pass through the slot, but Podkolzin lifted a shot that hit a post.▶ Third period: The Oilers enjoyed two consecutive power plays to open the period and finally converted in the final minute of the second one. With Edmonton's second unit on the ice, Howard (Michigan State) scored his first NHL goal, converting a feed from Kasperi Kapanen at 4:18. But just 30 seconds later, Arvidsson won a battle behind the net, gathered the puck, and found Finnie's fifth goal, tying the game 2-2. Dach made it 3-2 with his deflected goal at 16:32. But Larkin ended an eight-game goal-scoring drought converting Raymond's feed into the slot, forcing overtime. Edmonton outshot the Wings 12-5.
▶ Overtime: Postava starred in the extra session with several key saves, with McDavid and Draisaitl milling around the net on several chances. The Oilers out-shot the Wings 4-1 in the five minute period.▶ First NHL start: Postava played his first NHL game Thursday, Oct. 22, in Vancouver, playing the third period in relief of John Gibson, who had an eye irritation. Monday's game was the first start for Postava, who was outstanding in Grand Rapids before being recalled last week when goaltender Daniil Tarasov was hurt in the shootout loss to Seattle. Tarasov continues to be day-to-day. ▶ Lineup change: Defenseman Albert Johansson didn't play, likely due to an injury. McLellan chose to go with the 12 forwards/six defensemen look, with forward Carter Mazur entering the lineup. McLellan paired Andreas Englund with Anton Johansson as the third pairing. ▶ Hello, Babs: It's been a while, but Edmonton is now coached by Mike Babcock, who guided the Wings to a Stanley Cup in 2008 - with current Wings coach Todd McLellan an assistant on Babcock's staff that season. Babcock enjoyed tremendous success with the Wings, taking them to the final again the next year (2009) but losing in seven games to Pittsburgh. Babcock coached the Wings for 10 years (2005-15), with a 458-223-105 record, and 67-56 playoff record, before moving to Toronto.▶ Flow of Oil contained: Edmonton entered this game leading the NHL in goals per game (4.36) and had the three top scorers in the NHL in McDavid (34 points), Draisaitl (24 points) and Evan Bouchard (21 points). McDavid and Draisaitl both drew assists on Podkolzin's first period goal. But the Wings contained the superstar duo, and Postava stymied the pair in the shootout.
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Postava stars as Wings rally for 4-3 shootout victory in Edmonton