Dylan Larkin’s two-goal performance powered the Detroit Red Wings to a convincing 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night, marking the second straight triumph for Detroit over their Central Division rivals. The captain’s stellar showing, which included his milestone 250th career goal, demonstrated why he remains the heartbeat of the Red Wings’ resurgence. Coming off a dramatic 6-4 comeback victory just three days earlier, Detroit proved that their previous win was no fluke, dominating the Blues from start to finish at Enterprise Center.
The victory extended St. Louis’s losing streak to five games, with defensive struggles continuing to plague the Blues. For Detroit, it represented another statement win on their challenging five-game road trip, showcasing the depth and resilience that has defined their early-season success.

Dylan Larkin’s two-goal game propels Red Wings past Blues 5-2
Captain Dylan Larkin delivered when it mattered most, recording three points on the night with two goals and an assist. His first tally came 11:14 into the second period on a slick backhand that beat Jordan Binnington cleanly, extending Detroit’s lead to 3-1. The goal showcased Larkin’s technical skill and his ability to create scoring opportunities in tight spaces, with assists from Simon Edvinsson and Lucas Raymond setting up the chance.
Larkin’s second goal carried additional significance beyond the scoreboard. With 1:07 remaining in regulation, the Red Wings captain fired the puck into an empty net off a feed from Lucas Raymond, sealing the victory while reaching a personal milestone. The goal marked the 250th of Larkin’s NHL career, a testament to his consistency and production since entering the league. At this stage of his career, Larkin has established himself not just as Detroit’s leader, but as one of the most reliable two-way centers in the game.
The captain’s influence extended beyond his goal-scoring. Larkin picked up a secondary assist on Alex DeBrincat’s power-play goal late in the first period, displaying his playmaking vision from the point. His presence on the ice created space for his linemates throughout the evening, and his faceoff prowess helped Detroit control possession in crucial moments. The three-point performance elevated Larkin’s season totals to eight goals and continued his strong start to the campaign.
For a Red Wings team that has endured years of rebuilding, having a captain who leads by example both offensively and defensively has proven invaluable. Larkin’s work ethic and competitive fire set the tone for his teammates, particularly younger players looking to establish themselves at the NHL level. His ability to deliver in back-to-back games against the same opponent demonstrated his mental toughness and focus.
Red Wings’ offensive depth shines in Detroit’s 5-2 triumph over St. Louis
While Larkin grabbed headlines, Detroit’s victory was truly a team effort with contributions across all four lines. Ben Chiarot opened the scoring for the Red Wings at 12:01 of the first period, tying the game 1-1 with his first goal of the season. The defenseman’s point shot deflected off Blues defender Justin Faulk before finding its way past Binnington, with Mason Appleton and Alex DeBrincat earning assists on the play. Chiarot’s willingness to jump into the offensive rush and create chances from the blue line added another dimension to Detroit’s attack.
Alex DeBrincat continued his recent surge with a crucial power-play goal that gave Detroit a 2-1 lead with just 36 seconds remaining in the first period. The skilled winger deflected Moritz Seider’s shot from the point, showcasing the hand-eye coordination and net-front presence that made him one of the league’s most prolific goal scorers during his time in Chicago. The timing of the goal proved crucial, giving Detroit momentum heading into the intermission and deflating a Blues team that had started the game strongly.
Elmer Soderblom provided perhaps the most significant depth contribution, scoring his first goal of the season at 12:56 of the second period. The Swedish forward found himself wide open in the slot after receiving a perfect feed from Michael Rasmussen, and he made no mistake, rifling the puck past Binnington to extend Detroit’s lead to 4-1. James van Riemsdyk added a secondary assist on the play, highlighting the chemistry developing on Detroit’s third line. Soderblom’s goal effectively ended any hopes of a Blues comeback and allowed the Red Wings to play with confidence in the third period.
The scoring distribution reflected head coach Derek Lalonde’s emphasis on balanced offensive production. With Patrick Kane missing his fifth consecutive game due to an upper-body injury, other players have stepped up to fill the void. This depth has become increasingly important as Detroit navigates a challenging schedule, and it suggests that the Red Wings are developing into a team that can win in multiple ways. Whether through star power or depth scoring, Detroit has found answers when needed.
Defensive solidity and goaltending anchor Red Wings’ 5-2 victory over Blues
John Gibson turned in another solid performance between the pipes, making 20 saves to secure his latest victory in a Red Wings uniform. The veteran netminder faced just six shots in the third period, a testament to Detroit’s defensive structure and ability to protect leads. Gibson’s positioning and rebound control limited second-chance opportunities for St. Louis, and his calm presence gave his teammates confidence to play aggressively in the offensive zone.
Detroit’s defensive corps played a complete game, limiting high-danger chances and supporting the transition game effectively. Moritz Seider continued his strong two-way play, registering the primary assist on DeBrincat’s power-play goal while logging heavy minutes against St. Louis’s top lines. Simon Edvinsson, fresh off his two-goal performance in the previous matchup against the Blues, contributed with the primary assist on Larkin’s first goal, demonstrating the offensive upside that made him a highly-touted prospect.
The Red Wings’ penalty kill deserves recognition for shutting down St. Louis’s struggling power play. Detroit’s aggressive approach on the kill created turnovers and limited the Blues’ ability to establish zone time with the man advantage. This aspect of special teams has improved markedly compared to previous seasons, providing another indication that Detroit is maturing as a competitive team in the Eastern Conference.
Defensively, Detroit showed discipline and structure throughout the game. The Wings limited odd-man rushes and collapsed effectively when the Blues generated pressure in the defensive zone. This type of defensive responsibility has been a focal point during the team’s recent success and represents a significant step forward in their development. When combined with timely goaltending, Detroit’s defensive play has given them a foundation to build upon throughout the season.
St. Louis Blues’ struggles continue in 5-2 loss to Detroit
The Blues’ five-game losing streak has exposed significant defensive vulnerabilities that opposing teams continue to exploit. St. Louis has now allowed at least five goals in all six of their regulation losses this season, a staggering statistic that highlights their inability to play sound team defense. Despite getting solid goaltending from Jordan Binnington, who made 15 saves, the Blues simply couldn’t contain Detroit’s offensive waves throughout the night.
Brayden Schenn gave St. Louis an ideal start, scoring just 47 seconds into the game off a rebound from Colton Parayko’s shot. The goal marked Parayko’s 300th career point, a milestone achievement for the veteran defenseman who has been a cornerstone of the Blues’ blue line for years. Philip Broberg picked up the secondary assist on the play. However, the early lead proved fleeting as Detroit’s offensive firepower took over.
Jordan Kyrou scored his fourth goal of the season late in the third period, cutting Detroit’s lead to 4-2 with 4:24 remaining and extending his point streak to eight consecutive games. The talented forward has been one of the few bright spots during St. Louis’s difficult stretch, consistently generating offense even when his team struggles defensively. Pius Suter earned the assist on Kyrou’s goal with an excellent stretch pass that sprung the forward for a breakaway opportunity.
The Blues’ injury situation has compounded their struggles. Jake Neighbours was placed on injured reserve prior to the game with a right leg injury and will be reevaluated in five weeks, robbing St. Louis of a key depth forward. Robert Thomas was also scratched with an upper-body injury, further depleting the Blues’ offensive options. These absences have forced head coach Drew Bannister to juggle his lineup, disrupting chemistry and forcing players into unfamiliar roles. Until the Blues shore up their defensive play and get healthier, this losing streak threatens to derail their season before winter arrives.
Looking ahead after Dylan Larkin’s two-goal game lifts Detroit past St. Louis 5-2
The Red Wings will look to build on this momentum as they continue their West Coast road trip, facing the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. Patrick Kane’s status remains uncertain, but Detroit has proven they possess the depth to compete without their veteran winger. The team’s confidence is growing with each victory, and they’re beginning to resemble the consistent winner they were during their five-game winning streak earlier this season.
For St. Louis, Thursday’s home game against the Vancouver Canucks represents an opportunity to snap their losing streak and regain some momentum. The Blues need to address their defensive breakdowns immediately, as allowing five goals per game is simply unsustainable for a team with playoff aspirations. Whether through tactical adjustments or personnel changes, something must shift if St. Louis hopes to turn their season around before it’s too late.
Detroit’s victory demonstrated that their comeback win on Saturday wasn’t an anomaly but rather a sign of their growing maturity as a team. With Larkin leading the way and contributions coming from throughout the lineup, the Red Wings are positioning themselves as a legitimate contender in the Atlantic Division. The combination of veteran leadership, emerging young talent, and solid goaltending provides a formula for sustained success. As October turns to November, Detroit appears ready to make noise in what promises to be a highly competitive Eastern Conference race.
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.