The Detroit Red Wings earned a point, but that’s all they were able to collect as they fell short in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss in overtime against the Philadelphia Flyers. Although it’s a pill that’s a little tough to swallow, the defense was better tonight for Todd McLellan’s team. Losing streaks are something the Red Wings cannot afford with a steep hill to climb if they want to snag a playoff spot. Detroit is now on a three-game skid, and the two recent losses prior to tonight are the reason that Steve Yzerman made a shake-up to the roster.

Back-to-back losses during the weekend warranted a change in the lineup. That change was Elmer Soderblom, the 6’8″ 23-year-old who scored in his NHL debut back in 2022. Before tonight, the Sweden born Soderblom hadn’t played in the NHL since January 7th, 2023.

Elmer took advantage of the opportunity he learned about just moments before he was supposed to jump on the Grand Rapids Griffins’ team bus that was Chicago bound. Steve Yzerman’s call led to a change of plans for Soderblom.

“Always when he calls you, you’re a little nervous and excited,” Söderblom said. “But it was fun to hear it.”.

He has five goals and 12 assists for 17 points in 38 games played in the AHL this season. Soderblom prioritized his development by aiming to better utilize his size and improve as a skater. He proved in his season debut that he is getting good results.

Soderblom added a spark and change of pace to his line that featured Michael Rasmussen and Christian Fischer. He was flying around the ice making plays with the puck, and did a good job of utilizing his reach/size. Detroit’s defense has struggled mightily in a number of games this season, and he was able to help defensively tonight by using that reach advantage. His high motor and towering presence on the ice will be a welcomed addition to the team.

His time on ice against the Flyers was 13:54, he recorded one shot, two attempts, and two hits. This was Soderblom’s first time playing for coach Todd McLellan, who had high praise for the Swede:

“I remember his ability to control pucks and protect pucks with that size was pretty impressive,” McLellan said. “I’ve been told that he’s playing very well lately, the last two-to-three weeks, really starting to come into his own and we’re hoping that he can do that here. We’re hoping he provides a little injection of life into the group. I think that will come out as the game comes on.

As long as he stays healthy, Soderblom should be on the roster for the remaining 30+ games as Detroit pursues a playoff appearance for the first time since 2016.

There was a dark cloud above the Wings to start the season. The terrible start led to fans questioning whether or not Yzerman’s future as General Manager was safe. Former coach Derek Lalonde was fired, and longtime coach Todd McLellan was hired. His energy brought new life, and the seven game winning streak the team put together pushed away the dark clouds that were lingering. Although it’s still a difficult road to the postseason, it’s one that the Red Wings have a shot of reaching because of the quick turnaround under McLellan. Detroit, however, must end this losing streak when they get back to the Motor City.

We’ve only seen a sneak peak of the youth movement within the organization with Soderblom, Marco Kasper, Simon Edvinsson, and Albert Johansson. Players like Nate Danielson, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Carter Mazur, Sebastian Costa, and others are still making their way through the system.