DETROIT - While much of the pregame focus Thursday was on the Detroit Red Wings' 2018 top draft pick, their 2015 top pick delivered in the clutch.
Evgeny Svechnikov scored late in the third period to lift the Red Wings past the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2 in a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena.
Svechnikov, coming off a subpar season with the Grand Rapids Griffins and overshadowed by other prospects, one-timed a pass from Givani Smith to snap a 2-2 tie with 5:45 remaining.
Gustav Nyquist's empty-net goal sealed the outcome with 44.1 seconds to play.
Thomas Vanek and Andreas Athanasiou also scored for the Red Wings.