from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,
The Red Wings are a different team with forward Tyler Bertuzzi in the lineup.
The statistics bear it out, along with the eye test, as Bertuzzi has a way of bringing the Wings into the battle with his no-holds-barred style of play.
Bertuzzi sparked the Wings' come-from-behind victory Saturday in Buffalo — scoring two late goals to tie the game, then setting up Moritz Seider for the game-winner in overtime — then added a goal and assist in Sunday's 5-2 victory over Vegas.
“It’s great to see his confidence take off," said forward Dylan Larkin, Bertuzzi's linemate and friend, who returned to the lineup Sunday.
Bertuzzi is playing the best hockey of his pro career, with a team-leading 15 points on 10 goals (team-high) in 10 games, along with a team-best plus-10 rating.
But Bertuzzi has missed the three games in Canada because of his unvaccinated status. The Wings have lost all three games. The Wings are 6-2-2 with Bertuzzi in the lineup.
Larkin, who returned Sunday from a three-game absence for a family emergency, praised Bertuzzi's dedication on and off the ice.
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