Red Wings suffer costly loss with blown lead, Andrew Copp injury

5 thoughts on Detroit's 4-3 defeat against the Panthers

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Detroit Red Wings blew a late third-period lead and lost 4-3 to the Florida Panthers, a costly defeat that also saw center Andrew Copp leave the game with an apparent left leg injury. Head coach Todd McLellan said Copp is doubtful for the team's next game, leaving the Red Wings without both of their top two centers at a crucial time of the season.

Why it matters

The Red Wings' loss was especially damaging as four of their closest standings competitors won on the same night. Being without Copp and top center Dylan Larkin for any length of time will be a major challenge for Detroit as they fight for a playoff spot.

The details

With the Red Wings leading 3-2 in the final 90 seconds, a couple of defensive miscues allowed the Panthers to tie the game and then score the game-winning goal with 14 seconds left. Copp's injury occurred in the second period, and McLellan said he will need further evaluation. The Red Wings will have to find a way to plug the holes down the middle of their lineup, potentially calling up prospects from the AHL.

  • With just over a minute and a half remaining, the Red Wings failed to clear the puck from their own zone, leading to the Panthers' tying goal.
  • With less than 30 seconds left, a turnover by rookie forward Emmitt Finnie led to the Panthers' game-winning goal.

The players

Todd McLellan

Head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.

Andrew Copp

The Red Wings' No. 2 center who left the game with an apparent left leg injury.

Dylan Larkin

The Red Wings' No. 1 center who was already out with an injury.

Simon Edvinsson

Red Wings defenseman whose failed attempt to clear the puck led to the Panthers' tying goal.

Emmitt Finnie

Red Wings rookie forward whose turnover led to the Panthers' game-winning goal.

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What they’re saying

“Understand individuals looking to shoot at an open net, but when you're the last guy back with a forest in front of you, that puck has to find a way at least to gain the blue line. And I would prefer not shooting for the net there, using the glass, getting it out so we have a chance to regroup. But we took the shot, we kind of fumbled on it and (it) ended up in our net.”

— Todd McLellan, Head coach, Detroit Red Wings (nytimes.com)

“That's something we always talk about, and it's something we're always trying to harp on, especially in third periods. Get up the ice, not sit back, get in on the forecheck. And you know, it's something we're still trying to figure out.”

— Patrick Kane (nytimes.com)

“Not trying to change too much. Like my game, I'm always trying to play hard, and even with Finns and Ray today, I think complemented each other good and played a hard game, fast-paced, which I think worked really well.”

— Marco Kasper, Red Wings center (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.