Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jake Walman (96) passes during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Red Wings' Jake Walman brings the Griddy to the NHL

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 12/29/22

The Detroit Red Wings pulled off a stunning comeback against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night, erasing a 4-0 lead to earn a 5-4 overtime win on Jake Walman's goal.

Walman celebrated the comeback in style by pulling off what is believed to be the NHL's first Griddy celebration.

Win the game. Hit the Griddy.

Jake Walman (@walman_9) did that. pic.twitter.com/cTZScflLNu
— NHL (@NHL) December 29, 2022

Well how about that?!

If you have watched the NFL recent you have no doubt seen players hit opponents with the Griddy following touchdowns, with some players pulling it off a little more successfully than others.

Walman doing it as well as he did on ice skates is truly impressive. Also impressive because it is an NHL player showing a little personality. The league is notoriously old school when it comes to celebrations and playings showing any sort of individualism, and typically shouts them down or criticizes them when they do. Like when the Carolina Hurricanes were called "a bunch of jerks" for their post-win celebrations on home ice.

But we are starting to see that change a little bit in recent years, and that is good for everybody. Players showing personality and having fun brings interest and attention, interest and attention brings new fans, and new fans makes everybody happy.

More must-reads: