Red Wings Stumble Late, Lose to Blue Jackets in Shootout

Detroit squanders late lead, fails to close out crucial home game against Columbus

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:51am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game in an abstract, fragmented manner, with players and the puck represented as overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the Red Wings' heartbreaking loss to the Blue Jackets, with the game action fractured into a geometric abstraction.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Red Wings were unable to hold onto a late lead, allowing the Columbus Blue Jackets to tie the game in the final 30 seconds and eventually win in a shootout. Despite strong performances from Dylan Larkin and Justin Faulk, the Red Wings let mistakes pile up and couldn't close out the must-win game at home.

Why it matters

The loss is a tough blow for the Red Wings, who are fighting to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Failing to secure two points at home against a non-playoff team could prove costly as Detroit tries to make a late-season push.

The details

The Red Wings took an early 1-0 lead on Larkin's power play goal, then went up 2-1 on a Faulk tally. But the Blue Jackets responded each time, tying the game before the second intermission and then forcing overtime on a late goal by Adam Fantilli. In the shootout, Zach Werenski scored the winner for Columbus.

  • The Red Wings took a 1-0 lead just over 12 minutes into the first period.
  • Detroit regained the lead at 2-1 midway through the second period.
  • Columbus tied the game at 2-2 late in the second period on a power play goal.
  • Faulk put the Red Wings up 3-2 in the third period, but Fantilli tied it with 30 seconds left in regulation.
  • The game went to a shootout, where Werenski scored the deciding goal for the Blue Jackets.

The players

Dylan Larkin

The Red Wings' captain, who scored a power play goal and added an assist in the game.

Justin Faulk

The veteran defenseman, who scored two goals for Detroit in his return to the lineup after missing the last two games.

Zach Werenski

The Blue Jackets defenseman, who scored the deciding goal in the shootout to give Columbus the win.

Adam Fantilli

The Blue Jackets rookie, who scored the game-tying goal with 30 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

John Gibson

The Red Wings' goaltender, who made 30 saves in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“It's a tough time of year. It's important to close out games, extend games. It's not a good feeling right now to have that happen.”

— Justin Faulk, Red Wings Defenseman

“We got a point, and that point may keep us alive. You know, there's still points on the table. We're in must win territory now.”

— Derek McLellan, Red Wings Head Coach

What’s next

The Red Wings will host the Philadelphia Flyers in their final home game of the season on Thursday, April 11th. Detroit is now in must-win territory as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The takeaway

This loss is a tough blow for the Red Wings, who squandered a late lead and failed to secure two crucial points at home against a non-playoff team. Detroit's inability to close out games has been a recurring issue, and they now find themselves in a must-win situation as they try to make a late-season push for the playoffs.