Both Alex DeBrincat and Joe Veleno hit career games played milestones in Detroit's final game before the All-Star break
Though last night's 3-2 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators was an uninspiring conclusion to what had been an excellent month for the Detroit Red Wings, two Red Wing forwards did hit career milestone in the defeat.
Jan 23, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex DeBrincat (93) receives congratulations from teammates after scoring in the first period against the Dallas Stars at Little Caesars ArenaFor winger Alex DeBrincat, who will soon be headed to the All-Star Game in Toronto with 18 goals and 25 assists, last night represented career NHL game number 500.
"It's cool," said DeBrincat of the milestone after yesterday morning's skate. "You grow up hoping to play in the NHL one game, and to play 500 is pretty cool. Definitely above expectations, and just happy to get to this point...It goes by in the blink of an eye, so trying to cherish every moment."
Meanwhile, it was also game number 200 for center Joe Veleno. "I mean it's obviously a pretty cool accomplishment," Veleno said after last night's game. "Pretty happy about that for myself. But wanna keep playing more games and keep working on my game and trying to get better as a player and do my best to be successful."
While he might not be an all-star, Veleno has nine goals and 11 assists this season in 48 games, which already equals his 81-game totals from a year ago.