Red Wings Continue Playoff Push with Gritty Win Over Senators
DETROIT, January 18, 2026 – The Detroit Red Wings fortified their position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture with a decisive 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday night. The win, Detroit’s fifth in its last six outings, keeps the club firmly in second place in the competitive Atlantic Division.
Larkin Makes Franchise History
Captain Dylan Larkin led the charge, netting a pivotal goal that also served as a historic milestone. The marker was the 266th of his career, moving him past John Ogrodnick for sole possession of 10th place on the franchise’s all-time goals list. The achievement highlighted a strong performance from the top line, with winger Lucas Raymond contributing three assists to extend his team lead in points.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While the stars shone, crucial contributions came from throughout the lineup. Forward Marco Kasper broke a 36-game goal drought with an empty-net tally to seal the victory, while goaltender John Gibson turned aside 20 shots to backstop the win. The victory was a textbook response for a team focused on ending a lengthy postseason drought.
2025-26 Season at a Glance
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Record (W-L-OTL) | 29-16-4 |
| Points | 62 |
| Atlantic Division Rank | 2nd |
| Eastern Conference Rank | 3rd |
| Goals For (Avg.) | 153 (3.12 per game) |
| Goals Against (Avg.) | 150 (3.06 per game) |
| Last 10 Games | 7-2-1 |
A Franchise Steeped in Tradition
The Red Wings’ current push is set against the backdrop of one of the NHL’s most storied franchises. With 11 Stanley Cup championships, Detroit holds the record for most titles by a United States-based club. However, the team has not qualified for the postseason since the 2015-16 campaign, making the current resurgence under head coach Todd McLellan and general manager Steve Yzerman a focal point for the “Hockeytown” faithful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Red Wings’ leading scorers this season?
As of January 18, winger Lucas Raymond leads the team with 44 points (11 goals, 33 assists). He is followed by Alex DeBrincat (42 points) and captain Dylan Larkin (38 points).
When was the last time the Red Wings made the playoffs?
The Detroit Red Wings’ last playoff appearance was in the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs, where they were eliminated in the first round. The current 2025-26 squad is aiming to end a nine-year postseason drought.
Who coaches the Detroit Red Wings?
The team is led by head coach Todd McLellan. The front office is headed by Hall of Famer and legendary Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman, who serves as Executive Vice President and General Manager.