The Red Wings earned it — the game and the expected-goals battle both.
Detroit overperformed their expected goals by 0.93, converting four shots on 3.07 xG while Edmonton managed just two on 2.28. That gap between underlying quality and the scoreboard tells the story: this was never as close as the final count.
The dominance was overwhelming in every metric. Detroit controlled 57% of 5v5 expected goals and held a 58% share of shot attempts (25–18 on goal). In the areas that predict wins, they were utterly in control, and a two-goal margin actually understates the gulf.
Detroit's precision sealed it. They converted 2 of 5 high-danger chances (40%) versus Edmonton's 1 of 5. On the rush, both teams scored twice apiece from 24 and 20 chances respectively, but Detroit's other edges were decisive: two goals from low-danger spots — unforgivable misses for opposing goaltending — and smart rebound hunting that produced three chances and one converted. That's not luck; that's discipline in the offensive zone.
Emmitt Finnie's wrist shot from the wing in the third period (18:38) extended Detroit's advantage when it mattered. He finished with 2 goals and 1 assist in 19:25.