Ultimately this game was a Red Wings victory, but what looked like an easy one suddenly wasn't

The Wings defeated Tampa 6-4 Thursday, ending a stretch where the Lightning had earned points in 20 consecutive games against the Wings.

Add the fact the Wings earned a point in Tuesday's overtime loss to the Lightning, and the Wings had the better of the two-game series, earning three of a possible four points against the defending Stanley Cup champions. It was the first win in regulation against the Lightning in regulation since 2015 for the Wings.

So, there's that in what's been another long, dreary Wings season.

"It's good to get three of four points against, obviously, a team that is as good as they are," coach Jeff Blashill said. "Our guys competed hard. I didn't think we played very smart tonight at all. Bernie (goaltender Jonathan Bernier) was our best player by far. They're a good hockey team, and there are areas in our game we have to clean up.

"It's a big boost for us to win and learn lessons while you're winning. It's a lot easier to learn those (lessons) when you win."

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