Red Wings Rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka Celebrates First NHL Goal Amidst Tough Early Schedule

Detroit Red Wings rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka scored his first career NHL goal on Friday evening, October 17, 2025, in a 2-1 overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, beating goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy with a quick wrist shot. Sandin-Pellikka described the feeling as "unbelievable." As one of three rookies to make the team out of training camp, he is playing in his inaugural NHL campaign. Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan is preparing his young players, including Sandin-Pellikka, for upcoming challenges against elite talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers. McLellan noted that the rookie has already faced other perennial All-Stars, indicating his readiness for top-tier competition despite his young career.