Red Wings Seek Home Boost Against Struggling Flames

Detroit looks to end five-game skid as Calgary continues rebuild

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:33pm

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The struggling Detroit Red Wings are hoping a return home and a visit by the floundering Calgary Flames on Monday will help turn their fortunes around. The Red Wings hold the Eastern Conference's second wild-card position but have lost five of their past six games, putting their playoff spot in jeopardy. Meanwhile, the Flames are ahead of only the Vancouver Canucks in the overall standings and are in the midst of a rebuild, having won just five of their last 17 games.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for the Red Wings as they look to solidify their playoff positioning in the tight Eastern Conference race. A win at home against the struggling Flames could provide the boost they need to get back on track. For the Flames, this is an opportunity to play spoiler and continue their rebuild by stealing a road win against a playoff contender.

The details

The Red Wings have been without key players like captain Dylan Larkin and forward Andrew Copp due to injuries, but did get a boost with the return of forward David Perron. The Flames, the league's lowest-scoring team, have struggled offensively, going four games without a power-play goal and only two man-advantage markers in their last 10 outings. However, they have continued to battle in close games, with captain Mikael Backlund recently moving up the franchise's all-time goal-scoring list.

  • The Red Wings and Flames will face off on Monday, March 18, 2026.
  • The Red Wings have lost five of their past six games, putting their playoff spot in jeopardy.

The players

Lucas Raymond

The Red Wings' leading scorer with 45 assists and 66 points.

Dylan Larkin

The Red Wings' injured captain.

Andrew Copp

The Red Wings' injured forward.

David Perron

The Red Wings' forward who recently returned from injury.

Mikael Backlund

The Flames' captain who recently moved into fifth place on the franchise's all-time goal-scoring list.

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What they’re saying

“We're so excited to get home to Detroit ... and play in front of our fans. We've had some stretches down the year where we've been pushing for a playoff spot and that just elevates the crowd.”

— Lucas Raymond

“A good battle back. Lots going on recently, obviously, but we found a way. We kept pushing. It was nice to get rewarded as a group to have one point there.”

— David Perron

“When we made a mistake, they capitalized on it. We also hit two crossbars and had a grade-A chance in front of the net. We progressively got better as the night went on.”

— Ryan Huska, Flames Coach

“There's no quit from anyone here. All the guys are fighting hard. It doesn't matter the score. We keep trying until the end. So I'm really proud of the guys.”

— Mikael Backlund, Flames Captain

What’s next

The Red Wings will look to capitalize on their home-ice advantage and end their five-game skid against the struggling Flames on Monday. A win could help solidify their playoff positioning in the tight Eastern Conference race.

The takeaway

This game represents a crucial opportunity for the Red Wings to get back on track and secure a much-needed win at home. Meanwhile, the Flames' continued efforts to battle despite their rebuilding status show the team's resilience, even as they search for ways to improve their offensive production.