The Detroit Red Wings took a 3-1 win on Sunday night at Joe Louis Arena, giving the defending Stanley Cup champions a 2-0 series lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Wings, who were without stars Pavel Datsyuk and Kris Draper,  hope to capture their fifth title in twelve seasons.

Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin scored on a power play early in the first period, but Red Wings answered by scoring twice in  the second period. Rookie defenseman Jonathan Ericsson had his appendix removed on Wednesday night and scored the tying goal for Detroit, quickly followed by a goal by Valtteri Filppula. Justin Abdelkader added his second goal of the series (and second of his career) late in the third period to seal the win.

“We found a way to win two games, but we haven’t been as good as we’re capable of being,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. “I thought we were exhausted out there. It’s amazing what will does for you.”

The series moves to Pittsburgh for games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Britt Braudo is a Blast contributing editor and sports blogger for Blast Magazine. She can be reached at britt.braudo@gmail.com.