DETROIT - It's more difficult to score in today's defensive-oriented NHL, so 20 goals is a nice accomplishment for most players.
Tomas Tatar reached that threshold for the third time in four seasons Saturday, scoring twice in a span of 1:16 to snap a third-period tie and propel the Detroit Red Wings past the Colorado Avalanche 5-1 at Joe Louis Arena.
Tatar struggled to finish earlier this season, scoring four times in his first 31 games. He has been heating up lately, with eight goals in 13 games.
But the Red Wings (28-31-11) are well out of the playoff picture, taking much of the satisfaction out of his individual accomplishment.