Detroit Red Wings Rally for Crucial Playoff-Type Victory Over Canadiens

Wings overcome early deficit, show resilience in tight Eastern Conference playoff race

Mar. 20, 2026 at 9:08am

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The Detroit Red Wings trailed the Montreal Canadiens 1-0 after two periods, but never panicked. The team had a crucial conversation between periods and came out firing in the third, scoring twice to pick up a 3-1 victory in a game that had a playoff-like atmosphere. The win was huge for the Red Wings, who are fighting to end a nine-year playoff drought in a tight Eastern Conference race.

Why it matters

The Red Wings are in a tight battle to secure a playoff spot, with several teams within a few points in the standings. This victory over a division rival was crucial to keep pace and maintain their position in the wild card race. The resilience and poise the team showed in coming from behind demonstrates their ability to handle the pressure of high-stakes games down the stretch.

The details

Down 1-0 heading into the third period, the Red Wings had a critical conversation between periods about staying patient and believing they could come back. They did just that, with J.T. Compher tying the game early in the third by deflecting a Patrick Kane shot. Alex DeBrincat then scored the game-winner late in the period, taking advantage of a Montreal turnover to net the decisive goal. Goaltender John Gibson made 32 saves to backstop the victory.

  • The Red Wings trailed 1-0 after two periods on March 19, 2026.
  • J.T. Compher scored the tying goal early in the third period.
  • Alex DeBrincat scored the game-winning goal late in the third period.

The players

Todd McLellan

Head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.

John Gibson

Goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings who made 32 saves in the victory.

J.T. Compher

Red Wings forward who scored the tying goal in the third period.

Alex DeBrincat

Red Wings forward who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

Patrick Kane

Red Wings forward who assisted on the tying goal.

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What they’re saying

“We talked about it between the second and third that we're okay. We're going to be in a lot of these types of games down the stretch. We're down by one. You're allowed to play the full 60. We knew we needed – we talked about needing one just to get a point or two. We're scratching and clawing to get back in. And we talked about not opening it up – don't let them get to two or three, because then it's going to be really hard coming back.”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach

“It's fun. I mean, this is the time of year that you earn to be in these spots. Through the first 60 games, we put ourselves in a position where these games are super-important and we want to play in these games.”

— J.T. Compher, Red Wings Forward

“I was just trying to pressure the D. I think he caught an edge or something and it came right to me. I was coming from the right side, so I just tried to get to my backhand. A lot of times the goalies overextend that blocker so you can go right under it. I'm lucky it went in, and kind of a lucky bounce to get that puck anyways. But we'll take it.”

— Alex DeBrincat, Red Wings Forward

What’s next

The Red Wings will host the Boston Bruins on Saturday, March 21, 2026 in another crucial game as they continue their push for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

The Red Wings' ability to rally from a late deficit and show resilience in a high-pressure, playoff-type game demonstrates their determination to end their nine-year playoff drought. Their poise and belief in themselves will be crucial as they navigate the tight Eastern Conference race down the stretch.