In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, the Detroit Red Wings have reclaimed their position at the top of the Atlantic Division with an impressive 4-0 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. This game, which took place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, showcased not only the Wings’ offensive prowess but also stellar goaltending, marking a significant milestone in their season.
Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin, with a power play goal, lit up the scoreboard during the second period, while Alex DeBrincat secured his team’s dominance with a third-period goal. The standout performance came from goaltender John Gibson, who turned away 27 shots, recording his third shutout and extending his remarkable form by winning 12 out of his last 14 games.
The addition of Andrew Copp's empty-net goal capped off the scoring, solidifying the Wings' standing as they now boast a record of 27 wins, 15 losses, and 4 overtime losses, totaling 58 points. This victory not only propelled them ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning by a single point but also positioned them two points clear of the Canadiens in the division standings. It’s worth noting that this game served as a redemption arc for the Wings, who had suffered a disheartening 5-1 defeat to the same team on opening night.
"It feels pretty satisfying," Larkin expressed to Fan Duel Sports Network after the game. He reflected on the stark contrast between their disappointing opener and their triumphant performance, emphasizing the progress the team has made since then.
Raymond initiated the scoring with his 14th goal of the season—a striking achievement as he has now scored in three consecutive games. His goal came from a rather unusual play; after James van Riemsdyk dumped the puck into the corner, it hit a seam and bounced back toward the front of the net just as Montreal goalie Jacob Fowler ventured behind the net to play the puck. This left Raymond with a simple opportunity to score at 4:52 of the second period.
"You try to do the right things, and tonight I got a bit of a freebie, and I’ll definitely take it," Raymond remarked cheerfully. He further commented on the significance of their past loss, stating, "Opening night was far from how we want to play, and it really shows how far we’ve come from that game. I'm very happy with how we performed tonight, and Gibby was phenomenal once again."
Gibson has been particularly impressive, boasting a .932 save percentage over his last 14 starts, demonstrating his crucial role in the team’s success. "He's huge for us," Raymond noted. "Playing against him, you know he's a great goalie, but seeing him every day and watching how he takes care of himself is truly incredible."
After successfully killing off a Montreal power play, the Wings capitalized on their fourth power-play opportunity. Following Larkin winning the faceoff, the puck made its way back to Moritz Seider, who located DeBrincat on the flank. DeBrincat then set up Larkin for a one-timer, bringing Larkin's goal count for the season to 23 at 11:43 of the second period.
Just 34 seconds into the third period, DeBrincat extended the Wings’ lead with his own 23rd goal. He found himself all alone in the slot as all five Canadiens players were drawn toward Patrick Kane, who was near the boards. DeBrincat took full advantage, snapping a shot past Fowler and effectively extinguishing any hope the Canadiens had of a comeback.
Coach Todd McLellan expressed satisfaction not just with the win itself, but with the manner in which his team played, showcasing the adjustments they made since the opening-night debacle. "The process tonight, the adjustments we implemented after opening night, were evident. All 20 players, from the goalie out, contributed to a solid performance," McLellan stated.
This game marks a pivotal moment for the Red Wings, highlighting their potential as they strive for further success in the season.
