Red Wings Rally Past Panthers 5-3
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard scored his first career game-winner as Detroit beat Florida on Monday.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hockey
The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Florida Panthers 5-3, with 21-year-old Michael Brandsegg-Nygard scoring his first career game-winning goal at the 2:53 mark of the third period. The goal came after Lucas Raymond passed to him in front of the net, with Andrew Copp recording the secondary assist.
Why it matters
Brandsegg-Nygard becomes the sixth Norwegian-born NHL player with a game-winning goal, adding to his early case as a regular contributor in his 29th career game. The win gives Detroit a boost while the young forward continues to establish himself in the lineup.
Brandsegg-Nygard has 10 points, three goals, 70 hits and eight takeaways in 15 games this season. His game-winner gave Detroit a 5-3 final over Florida after Sam Bennett scored late to make it 4-3.
The players
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
A 21-year-old Norwegian forward drafted by Detroit in the first round in 2024, who has spent time developing with the club's AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids.
Lucas Raymond
A Swedish winger for the Red Wings who set up the game-winning goal with a pass in front of the net.
The details
Lucas Raymond carried a loose puck down low for Detroit and passed to Brandsegg-Nygard in front of the net for the go-ahead strike. Sam Bennett scored late in the third to narrow the gap, but Detroit held on for the win.
Timeline
2024: Detroit drafted Brandsegg-Nygard in the first round.
2025-26 season opening: Brandsegg-Nygard earned a spot on the Red Wings roster.
November 3, 2026: Detroit defeated Florida 5-3.
Between the Lines
Brandsegg-Nygard's first career game-winner adds a scoring contribution to Detroit's lineup as the team works through a 5-3 win over a Florida side. The milestone places him among a small group of Norwegian-born players to have decided an NHL game.
For fantasy managers, Brandsegg-Nygard's 10 points and eight takeaways in 15 games offer a modest scoring and physical-play profile to track. His role within Detroit's lineup will determine how much weekly production he can reliably provide.
The takeaway
A late-third-period goal can decide a game, and Brandsegg-Nygard's first career winner shows how a young player's contribution can arrive in a critical moment. Following a player's usage over multiple games gives a clearer picture of his development than a single result.
Further reading
For more on the team, see Hockey coverage from Detroit.
