Ice hockey legend Marco Kasper recorded a goal and an assist in a game for the first time this NHL season. The 21-year-old from Carinthia did the preparatory work for JT Compher (27th) in the middle third of his Detroit Red Wings’ 4-2 home win against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. In the finish he hit the empty goal for the final score (59th). For Kasper it was his first points scorer since January 1st, after 48 games this season he has four goals and four assists each.
Last season, his first in the strongest ice hockey league in the world, Kasper recorded 37 points (19 goals and 18 assists) in 77 appearances. Against San Jose, the striker ended a 36-game goal drought. His last goal before that was on October 30th. “It’s always fun to score a goal, especially after such a long time,” explained Kasper. “It was an empty net hit, but they count the same – so I’ll take it.”
“Very important for Marco”
Before Compher equalized, Kasper had recorded the decisive win. The goal should also bring confidence. “That was very important for Marco,” said Detroit coach Todd McLellan. “I know his game has come back – maybe not on the scoresheet, but his physicality, his tenacity and his skating skills. He looks like a different player now.”
“Felt pretty good.”
Full post-game 🎥 » https://t.co/x5IFwoCldX pic.twitter.com/TG4k0Hh4Xv
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 17, 2026
His Red Wings won their fifth win in their last six games. They are in third place in the Eastern Conference directly behind the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes, who have the same number of points. The end of a ten-year play-off drought seems to be within reach for the traditional team.
Source: APA, Pic: www.x.com/DetroitRedWings
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