from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

They were separate incidents, although similar in nature, and both showed a positive development regarding this Red Wings team.

There is a bond, a tightness, a willingness to stick up for a teammate.

And in the world of professional hockey, that is something important.

The first incident occurred against the Florida Panthers on April 1. In that game, Panthers defenseman Riley Stillman leveled Dylan Larkin with a hard hit, there was no call, and Stillman escaped unscathed the final few remaining minutes of the second period.

But beginning the third, Givani Smith sought out Stillman and challenged Stillman to a fight, drawing universal praise among the Wings afterward.

“It’s a testament to who Smitty is,” forward Luke Glendening said. “To be step in there, after he (Smith) had already fought (earlier in the game), and stand up for Larks, stand up for a teammate, it’s a testament to who Smitty is.

Said coach Jeff Blashill: “That’s stepping up big time, sticking up for your teammate.”

continued