Red Wings Berggren Makes Most of Opportunity

As he sat in the press box for three successive Detroit Red Wings game, forward Jonatan Berggren heard from his coach Todd McLellan that he was allowing other players on the team to steal away his ice time.

Sunday, given his first chance to redeem himself , Berggren did his best to swipe his spot back. He was an effective performer during Detroit’s 3-0 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights.

“Bergie coming back into the lineup was certainly hungry, and it showed,” McLellan said. “He didn’t want to give that position back, so he was motivated.”

Jonatan Berggren JUST holds the line and Albert Johansson finishes off the play with a BEAUTY goal 😮‍💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/6Nd3KwsgXR

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) March 16, 2025

Playing on a line with Vladimir Tarasenko and JT Compher, Berggren’s keep in at the Vegas blueline was a key moment that would lead to Albert Johansson’s goal giving Detroit a 1-0 lead.

“I thought he had a good game,” McLellan said of Berggren. “And we’ll need those three players to play exactly like they did (Sunday) and even take it up a notch for us to have a chance.

“That second or third line, whatever you want to call it, can be a difference maker. Thought it was (Sunday).”

Red Wings Coach Doesn’t Want Berggren On Fourth Line

McLellan is of the opinion that Berggren’s specific skill set is one that he should never be slotting into a fourth-line role.

“If you’re just cutting your teeth and getting into the league, you take what you can get,” McLellan said. “And if it’s four flying minutes, well, then you got to figure out a way to fit there and manage and be productive.

OUT OF THE BOX AND ONTO THE BOARD! 🐙

Jonatan Berggren scores the game-winning goal with 36 seconds remaining! pic.twitter.com/6YdhNKpFSg

— NHL (@NHL) January 3, 2025

“But I think his skill set promotes a little more of the top three. But like I said, wherever you end up, you better get the job done. And he certainly did last (game).”

It would appear that Berggren may be getting even more of a chance to display his creative wares against the Capitals. At practice on Monday, he was getting reps on the left flank with the second power-play unit.