Red Wings' Austin Watson Hits Milestone
Austin Watson (Rob Gray-Imagn Images)It was a good night.
At least, it was a good night for most of Detroit's players.
The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Utah Hockey Club (and newly re-signed former Red Wing, Olli Maatta), 5-1, with five different goal scorers despite being down a goaltender.
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Alex DeBrincat notched his 500th career point with his 33rd goal of the season. Youngsters Marco Kasper and Elmer Soderblom continued their great seasons by scoring goals in the victory. However, two players who don't often contribute offensively also hit the scoresheet. Tyler Motte scored the Red Wings' fifth and final goal of the night, his third of the season.
Finally, Austin Watson, still fresh (ish) from a call-up from the Grand Rapids Griffins, scored the team's third goal - his first of the year. The veteran forward survived a demotion, while defender Brogan Rafferty did not.
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This was also Watson's first goal as a Red Wing.
Monday night was Watson's fourth game with the Red Wings this season. He has averaged 7:15 of ice time per game in addition to firing four shots.
Watson has played 519 NHL games with four different organizations. The 33-year-old winger has also suited up for the Nashville Predators, Ottawa Senators, and Tampa Bay Lightning before his stop in Detroit.
The 6-foot-4 and 238 lb winger's best offensive season came with the Predators in 2017-18. He played 76 games, scored 14 goals, and recorded 19 points while averaging 12:20 a game.
Watson has enjoyed tremendous success with the Griffins this season. He currently has 37 points in 56 AHL games and earned himself an appearance at the AHL All-Star Game. When he was named an All-Star, he was second in team scoring with 29 points in 41 games.
With their playoff hopes hanging by a precarious thread, Watson's milestone has given them a bit of life.
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