from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

Fans have seen a lot of losing by a Detroit Red Wings team destined to miss the playoffs for the third year in a row.

But there is hope. It was on display Wednesday. Young forwards who have grown the past few years form a solid nucleus, with the promise of better days ahead.

The Red Wings fell behind in the first period and were lousy in the second before rallying with three unanswered goals to tie the Chicago Blackhawks in the third. They lost 5-4 on red-hot Patrick Kane’s goal at 2:42 of overtime at Little Caesars Arena.

But there was much to like with their young forwards.

Dylan Larkin scored two goals and assisted on another. Anthony Mantha assisted on all four goals. Tyler Bertuzzi had no points but his tenacious forechecking created space and opportunities for his linemates. The trio combined for 21 of the team’s 35 shots.

And then there’s Andreas Athanasiou. He scored twice in the third period, including his 22nd goal of the season to tie it with 1:26 remaining.

“Part of what we’re trying to do here is (have) the young guys continue to grow,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “I think our arc is headed in the right direction, but a huge part of it is their continued growth.

“I thought Lark, Bert and Mantha was the best line on the ice. AA heated up as the game went along. Twenty-two goals for Dubs, that’s a big number.”

continued

Below, watch Larkin, Mantha, Athanasiou and Blashill post-game.