Where did Mo Seider learn to punch like that? The Detroit Red Wings are in a critical and urgent fight to secure the last wildcard playoff spot. And Mortiz Seider stepped up. The young Wings defenseman engaged in a rare fight against the highly talented Filip Forsberg and the surging Nashville Predators. Surprisingly, Seider appeared more like an enforcer than a top draft pick, as he landed heavy punches on the game but clearly overpowered Forsberg.
Forsberg, a Swede, is not known for fighting, and Red Wings fans could not recall Seider ever being in a fight before. After landing heavy punches for a minute, Seider was sent to the penalty box for five minutes for fighting. Despite the emotional lift the fight provided to the Red Wings, the team lost 1-0. This loss makes them vulnerable to the Washington Capitals and the New York Islanders, both of whom have games in hand. The Wings' hopes of finally returning to the playoffs are still alive but fading quickly.
Playoff Hockey Ante the Playoffs
The Red Wings have not made it to the playoffs since the 2015-2016 season. Moritz Seider has never experienced the playoffs. He has also never been in a fight, until last night against the Nashville Predators. It became evident that the young defenseman's frustration was reaching a boiling point. The Red Wings were struggling to get anything going, and Forsberg is an experienced player. Around five minutes into the second period, with Forsberg pressuring him against the boards and in his face, Seider had had enough. It was his first NHL fight, and it was a good one. Detroit’s first-round pick from 2019 is capable of throwing punches.
The fight is a positive sign for the Red Wings and for Seider. As the Wings' fortunes have declined over the past month, so has Seider’s offensive contribution. Seider, a defenseman with a proven ability to score points, only managed two points during the Wings’ recent seven-game losing streak. It was a terrible time for a slump, especially with their Captain, Dylan Larkin, sidelined with a lower body injury. With Larkin back, Seider has shown that he is ready to fight for a playoff spot. While the Wings lost to the Predators 1-0, their final determined effort to make the playoffs persists.
Compare last night’s fight with what occurred earlier this month. As their playoff aspirations crumbled, the Wings got into a fight, but with each other. That is now in the past. It's evident that the team — and Seider — recognize the necessity of giving their all against every opponent in the remaining 11 games.
First Fight, First Postseason Appearance?
The Red Wings currently occupy the second wildcard playoff position with 78 points, ahead of the Washington Capitals with 77 points. However, the Capitals have two games in hand. The Red Wings and Capitals will face each other twice, once at home and once away, and the outcome of those games is likely to determine which team secures a playoff spot. Does Mo Seider's fight provide the emotional boost — and playoff hockey focus — that the Wings need?
As Heavy recently stated, “with the Wings and the Capitals competing for that final wildcard playoff spot, the battle between Red Wings leader Dylan Larkin and Capitals leader Alex Ovechkin will likely determine who reaches the playoffs, and who does not.” However, as shown in the Wings' game against Nashville, it’s not just about leader versus leader, superstar versus superstar. Everyone must make a contribution. Mo Seider is playing his part, even ready to fight for the team.
