Alex Nedeljkovic came through with a big performance to secure home fans cheered loudest and last.
The Detroit Red Wings had looked forward to Tuesday’s game, looked forward to playing at Little Caesars Arena again after a tough road trip. They needed patience, and they needed Nedeljkovic to make 33 saves against the New York Islanders. And it paid off with a 2-1 victory.
The Wings (14-12-3) improved to 10-3-2 at home and nipped a three-game losing skid.
Michael Rasmussen scored his third goal of the season with seven minutes to go in the third period.