As the new year begins this Wednesday, the Detroit Red Wings are enjoying their strongest start in several years and aim to maintain their momentum into 2026. Each victory brings Detroit closer to ending their nearly ten-year playoff drought and fulfilling the franchise’s long-standing ambition.
The Red Wings will seek another win against the struggling Winnipeg Jets, who have sharply declined from their Presidents’ Trophy-winning season and now hold the NHL’s worst record at 15-18-4. With the Jets eager to halt their slide, Detroit must be proactive, especially in countering Jets’ goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, the reigning league MVP and back-to-back Vezina Trophy winner. This matchup promises an exciting contest that will energize hockey fans heading into 2025.
Recently, Detroit sent dynamic forward John Leonard back to the AHL, creating a need for scoring contributions elsewhere. Fortunately, offensive production is well-distributed across the team. Forwards Lucas Raymond, Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, and defenseman Moritz Seider are all averaging at least a point per game. Unexpected contributors like Andrew Copp and Axel Sandin Pelica are also making an impact.
James van Riemsdyk has netted six goals in the last 11 games, with linemate Michael Rasmussen developing alongside him, coming into Wednesday’s game with a goal and two assists during a three-game winning streak. Even the lower lines have stepped up their game.
On defense, the Red Wings have shown significant improvement, allowing only 2.79 goals per game during their 14-game stretch, tying for 12th best in the league alongside Toronto and New York. Detroit will aim to maintain discipline in their zone and avoid giving Winnipeg chances to capitalize.
Winnipeg’s offense remains potent, spearheaded by the top line of Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Gabe Vilardi. This trio has combined for nearly half of the Jets’ 106 total goals, making them one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive units.
The two teams have met 23 times since Winnipeg rejoined the NHL, with the Jets winning nine of the last 13 games, including three of the last four in Detroit. Despite strong goaltending on both sides, recent matchups have often been high-scoring affairs, with five of the last six games featuring six or more goals.
Lucas Raymond is poised to continue his strong performance against Winnipeg, having tallied nine points (three goals, six assists) in the last six games versus the Jets, including five points in the last two matchups. Conversely, Kyle Connor has been a persistent threat to Detroit, scoring 16 points in his last 11 games and reminding fans of his talent from his Michigan days.
In goal, Detroit’s John Gibson holds a 12-8-1 record with a 3.06 goals-against average and .891 save percentage overall, and a 5-11-3 record against Winnipeg. Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck has a 9-9-3 record this season with a 2.53 GAA and .908 save percentage, and is 7-5-1 in 14 career games versus Detroit.
Fan Take: This matchup highlights a thrilling turning point for the Detroit Red Wings as they strive to reclaim their status as playoff contenders while facing a tough test in Winnipeg’s potent offense and superstar goaltender. For hockey fans, it’s an exciting glimpse into a rising team’s potential resurgence and the unpredictability and excitement that keeps the sport compelling.
