DETROIT - Andreas Athanasiou scored the game-tying goal on an electrifying play with two minutes remaining in regulation. Then he made a slick pass to Dylan Larkin for the winning goal with 5.1 seconds to play in overtime.
Those are the plays difference-makers make. Athanasiou has what it takes to be a difference-maker - elite speed and finishing ability.
So far this season, he's also shown something that has been lacking during his career - consistent competitiveness. That's good for the Red Wings moving forward.
"From the first day of camp I think he's been engaged and done the things that it takes to be a real good hockey player," Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said following Friday's 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers at Little Caesars Arena.