More time with his linemates is likely to benefit Filip Zadina.
The Detroit Red Wings’ prize pick from the 2018 draft looked nervous as he made his NHL exhibition debut Thursday at Little Caesars Arena, even as his line impacted the game. Both Thomas Vanek and Andreas Athanasiou scored in the 4-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Evgeny Svechnikov netted the winning goal in the third period when he connected on a puck in front of the net. Gustav Nyquist scored into an empty net with 44 seconds remaining in regulation.
The Blackhawks brought their top two lines, anchored by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.