Filppula Scores Second Consecutive GWG as Red Wings Defeat Blue Jackets

Valtteri Filppula scored his second game-winning goal in as many games, once again leading the Detroit Red Wings to a victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Filppula scored Detroit’s second goal in their 2-1 win in Columbus on Friday and followed it up with their third goal in a 4-2 win on Sunday night.

Sunday’s goal came on a three-on-two rush just 52 seconds into the third period. Todd Bertuzzi sent the puck to Johan Franzen for a redirection on Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason from right in front. Mason knocked it aside but Filppula was left all alone to jump in and lift a shot off the bottom of the crossbar and in, giving the Red Wings a 3-1 lead.

R.J. Umberger pulled Columbus to within a goal with 1:31 left in the third, tipping an Antoine Vermette shot past Detroit netminder Jimmy Howard while skating six-on-four.

Danny Cleary scored into the empty net to wrap up the game’s scoring.

Derick Brassard had opened the scoring with 43 seconds left in the first period, tipping a shot from Anton Stralman past Howard to give the Jackets the lead.

Niklas Kronwall tied things up at 10:12 of the second, pushing up to carry the puck to the net from the corner and bang in his own rebound chance.

Just 14 seconds later, Darren Helm lifted a shot from the right faceoff circle over Mason’s shoulder to give the Wings the lead.

Umberger’s goal was Columbus’ only tally on seven power play tries, including a full two minute two-man advantage in the middle of a four-minute power play. Detroit was held scoreless on all five of their chances with the extra attacker.

Howard made 27 saves on 29 Columbus chances while Mason stopped 38 of the 41 shots he faced.

The Red Wings now head west for a three-game trip through California, facing the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday to kick things off.

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The Red Wings were without Mike Modano for the first game this season. He underwent surgery for a severed tendon in his arm on Saturday and is out indefinitely.