Viktor Arvidsson scores hat trick as Red Wings defeat Blackhawks 4-1

The Detroit Red Wings proved they can survive a locker room crisis on Thursday, Oct. 29, securing a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks despite the sudden suspension of former captain Dylan Larkin. Viktor Arvidsson spearheaded the effort with his sixth career hat trick and an assist, leading a Red Wings squad that has now gone 5-1-1 over its last seven games.

Arvidsson fills the void in Larkin’s absence

Prior to the game, the Red Wings suspended Dylan Larkin without pay. Larkin’s agent informed the organization that the player no longer wishes to be a part of the team while he awaits the resolution of a trade request. Larkin, who has recorded two goals and six assists in 10 games this season, has effectively declared he will no longer play for the franchise.

To mitigate the loss of their top center, Detroit shifted its tactical alignment. Emmitt Finnie stepped into Larkin’s usual role at center on the top unit, skating alongside Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, Viktor Arvidsson, and Moritz Seider. While the unit struggled early to penetrate Chicago’s defense, the depth of the roster eventually overwhelmed the Blackhawks.

Arvidsson ties game after Bedard puts Chicago ahead

Chicago controlled the early narrative. Connor Bedard put the Blackhawks ahead at 5:59 of the first period, backhanding a rebound from Wyatt Kaiser. Detroit struggled to capitalize on three early power plays, but the momentum shifted in the second period. At 7:31, Arvidsson tied the game 1-1 by tipping a point shot from William Wallinder past Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight.

The game nearly swung back to Chicago at 11:18 of the second when Red Wings defenseman Andreas Englund hooked Frank Nazar on a breakaway. Nazar was awarded a penalty shot, but John Gibson made a critical pad save to keep the score deadlocked. Gibson finished the night with 18 saves, providing the stability Detroit needed to weather the storm.

Detroit seized control in the third period. At 1:09, Lucas Raymond scored a power-play goal, curling back into the circle and roofing a shot past Knight’s blocker. With Patrick Kane in the penalty box for high-sticking, Detroit’s pressure became relentless. Arvidsson pushed through a crowded crease to make it 3-1 with 4:34 remaining, before sealing his hat trick with an empty-netter at 16:45.

“Our second and third periods were outstanding,” Arvidsson said. “This is fun, I’m not going to lie. Playing with (DeBrincat) and (Emmitt Finnie) has been working really well, and I’m just trying to do my part.”

Red Wings honor Patrick Kane during Chicago visit

The contest carried significant emotional weight for Patrick Kane, who spent three seasons in Detroit. The Red Wings honored Kane with a tribute video in the first period, drawing a long standing ovation from the home crowd. Kane previously achieved major milestones in Detroit, including his 500th career goal and the NHL record for most points by a U.S.-born player (1,375) on January 29, 2026.

“This was a very special place for me for a few years,” Kane said. “The fans have been great to me since I came here, and they’ve always been really good with my family.”

Chicago is now 0-5 away from home this season. A notable tactical lapse occurred in the third period; Chicago’s second line consisting of Tyler Bertuzzi, Ryan Donato, and Anton Frondell failed to record a single shift together during the final frame.

Larkin suspension creates depth gap for Detroit

While the win on the ice is a positive, the suspension of Dylan Larkin creates a gap in Detroit’s center depth. Andrew Copp attempted to fill the gap between Raymond and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, but struggled with efficiency, going 8-for-18 on face-offs in 18:08 of ice time and finishing minus-1.

For Chicago, the struggle continues as they travel to face Boston this Saturday.

The question for Detroit is whether the emergence of players like Finnie and the performance of Arvidsson can offset the loss of Larkin.