Moritz Seider proves his value to Detroit one more time with a monster performance in the Red Wings' 6–4 win over Philadelphia
In the Red Wings' 6–4 Wednesday night victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit defenseman Moritz Seider played 28:02, earned a +1 rating, blocked four shots, and assisted on Patrick Kane's game-winning goal.
Dec 18, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Michael Rasmussen (27) celebrates his goal with defenseman Moritz Seider (53) during the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Little Caesars ArenaFor the last two seasons, Detroit could hardly rely on Seider more, yet on Wednesday, the Red Wings needed him even more than usual. Simon Edvinsson picked up an upper body injury that held him out of the second and third periods. The injury left Detroit even more reliant on Seider than ever and forced Seider to skate without his regular defense partner. (As an aside, coach Derek Lalonde had no update on Edvinsson after the game and with an off day Thursday, one likely won't come until tomorrow's morning skate.)
In response, Seider was nothing short of monstrous for the Red Wings. His self-sacrifice in blocking shots, his physicality in killing plays and winning back pucks, his indefatigability in the face of preposterously difficult minutes are all invaluable to Detroit. Seider plays so much and plays against such fearsome competition because that's what the Red Wings need from him.
Before the season began, captain Dylan Larkin said of Seider and fellow blossoming star Lucas Raymond, "Those guys have continued to grow. I think they have more growth in them, but that’s any young 20-something in the NHL. We expect a lot out of them, and they’ve always answered, so I’m excited for them this season.”
In the featured video above, I discussed Seider's latest answer to the Red Wings' needs in the form of his dominant effort to help Detroit past the Flyers.