Detroit Red Wings

Duffer’s Dabbles: Smiths Could End Several Red Wings Brother Droughts

Published

2 years ago

January 20, 2022

Bob Duff

Givani and Gemel Smith could be the first siblings to play together as Red Wings since 1969.

If and when brothers Gemel and Givani Smith suit up for their first game as Detroit Red Wings teammates, they’ll be poised to bring an end to several sibling slumps the team is enduring.

UPDATE: The #RedWings have claimed center Gemel Smith off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning. pic.twitter.com/m5BbWCfHVc

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 19, 2022

While brother acts are fairly commonplace in the NHL, it’s been a case of not so much with the Red Wings. The last game in which brothers suited up for the team was on March 30, 1969, when Frank and Pete Mahovlich both played during a 9-5 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.

While both Bryan and Dennis Hextall played for the 1975-76 Red Wings, neither was on the roster at the same time.

Red Wings Brother Records

The Mahovlich brothers are also the last siblings to collect a point in a game for the Wings. Both Frank and Pete scored during a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 22, 1968. Frank actually drew the lone assist on Pete’s goal, making it the last time that brothers figured in a scoring play for the Red Wings.

Peter Mahovlich in his 2nd stint with the Red Wings in 79/80, back where he started..#LGRW pic.twitter.com/otk5ZnL7FS

— Old Hockey Cards (@oldhockeycards) July 27, 2021

The Mahovlichs combined for 134 goals and 286 points in their Detroit days but they are the team’s highest-scoring brother act. That honor goes to Mud and Eddie Bruneteau. They produced 179 goals and 359 points as Red Wings.

Naturally, Wings fans will hope that the Smiths can emulate Johnny and Larry Wilson (1949-50) and Hec and Wally Kilrea (1935-36; 1936-37) as brothers who won Stanley Cups together in Detroit.

Around The NHL

Detroit: All of the Red Wings’ postponed games have been rescheduled by the NHL.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins need to settle on a backup goalie between Casey DeSmith and Louis Domingue.

Philadelphia: The Flyers face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday but former Philly forward Jake Voracek (COVID-19 protocol) isn’t expecting to be playing.

Boston: Bruins center Patrice Bergeron is praising the hiring of his former agent Kent Hughes as the new GM of the Montreal Canadiens.

NY Islanders: With Ross Johnston under NHL suspension, the Isles have reunited their prominent fourth line of Matt Martin, Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas.