LAS VEGAS _ The Detroit Red Wings did what they could to put on a show Saturday night, playing an entertaining game in a great atmosphere.
A year-and-a-half after their first appearance at T-Mobile Arena, the Wings played a competitive, spirited game against the playoff-positioned Vegas Golden Knights, winning 3-2 in overtime on Anthony Mantha's second goal of the game.
Playing before a bipartisan crowd, the Wings came out with great jump, getting the puck deep and directing shots on net. Luke Glendening netted his 10th goal of the season in the first period, a lead that stood until Cody Eakins leveled it shortly after a Vegas power play expired in the second period. Andreas Athanasiou had two assists.
Thanks to the New Jersey Devils winning, the Wings remained in 29th place in the NHL.
Last season, the Wings became the first team to beat the Golden Knights, who started the 2017-18 season 3-0 before falling to the Wings, 6-3, Oct. 13, 2017.
Taro Hirose, signed March 12 after he finished up his third season at Michigan State, continued a terrific story line. He had a hand in Glendening's goal, earning a second assist. Hirose made his NHL debut Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, setting up a Frans Nielsen goal. Assist No. 2 came Thursday at St. Louis, when Hirose put the puck on net, smartly eyeing Thomas Vanek by a goalpost. Hirose, 22, is showing what a slick, smart player he is, serving notice as serious competition for a spot on next season's team.
Reilly Smith put the Knights up 2-1 when he intercepted Mantha's pass during Detroit's power play and raced up ice and beat Jimmy Howard, at 10:11 of the third period. Mantha made amends a minute later when he showed off his shot, blasting a one-timer while the Wings were still on the power play. Mantha netted his second 19 seconds into OT. Mantha missed a month (15 games) with a hand injury, but he now has 19 goals in 60 games.
