The Detroit Red Wings suffered a tough loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, a late goal by Alex Debrincat gave Detroit a single point. Combined with the win over the Winnipeg Jets, the Wings grabbed three of four points in two days. Consequently, the Red Wings continue to hold onto a playoff spot for now.
Detroit has been in three straight single point games in the past five days. Starting with a 3-2 win over Toronto, the Wings have collected five of six points in that time. Interestingly, the Red Wings lead the league in one point game victories this season.
The Red Wings are currently on pace to break 100 points this season. Yet the standings are incredibly tight, and the team can’t afford to go on a losing streak. December was an impressive month for the team, as they never lost consecutive games in that stretch. Therefore, the team was able to start the New Year at the top of the Atlantic Division.
Detroit’s impressive first Half
The Red Wings entered the game against Pittsburgh with a 24-14-3 record. Thereby acquiring 51 points in the first half of the year in an impressive effort. Dylan Larkin and Alex Debrincat share the team lead in goals with 21 apiece. Moritz Seider continues to turn heads with 25 points over his past 26 games played.
The Red Wings ended 2025 on a high note, however the team has to continue to push. Detroit will face Pittsburgh again in just two days after this tough overtime loss. Therefore, the team needs to be sharp and continue the trend they set in December. John Gibson will likely return to net, and that’s could bode well for the team. Gibson has won 9 of his past 10 starts, and the team is playing well in front of him.
All in all, things are very different heading into the second half of the season this year. The Red Wings are on track, even in the midst of a severely condensed schedule. Consequently, there is a palpable energy and high optimism surrounding the team right now. The Red Wings look like a team that is learning how to win, and win consistently.
Todd McLellan’s first full year
Head Coach Todd McLellan recently captured his 50th win since taking over last season. Thereby becoming the 4th fastest coach to do so in Red Wings history. McLellan’s ability to change the culture is more evident as the season progresses. In game management and accountability are the hallmark of the head coach’s messaging.
McLellan was candid after the Red Wings’ overtime loss in Pittsburgh. He acknowledged a slow start, however he also commended the team’s efforts to get to the extra frame. The Red Wings are showing far more resilience when facing adversity this season. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect a much better start when the Wings face the Penguins again in two days.
