from Dana Wakiji of the Wings' website,

"It means a lot," Joe Veleno said after Monday's 7-4 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. "I think that's what our main goal here was, to play in the championship game. I think we deserved it. I don't think we had the best start (Monday) but we found a way to get it done and I think that's what's important."

Veleno was a big factor in the Wings reaching the game last year and that continued this year with a lot more experience under his belt.

Veleno had two power-play goals in each of the first two games and then added an empty-net goal against Toronto. He leads the tournament with five goals.

Coming on strong is Chase Pearson, the Wings' fifth-round pick, 140th overall, in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

Pearson had a hat trick plus an assist in the Toronto game and leads the tournament in points with six. He is tied for second in goals with four.

"Any offensive game is a big confidence boost but I think there's still stuff to work on," Pearson said after the game. "Anytime I can contribute offensively, it's a good night for me."

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