Red Wings Collapse Late, Lose to Panthers

Detroit loses two goals in final 90 seconds after key injury to second-line center Andrew Copp

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game in abstract geometric shapes and planes, with players and action deconstructed into overlapping forms, conveying the chaos and intensity of the final moments.A cubist interpretation of the Red Wings' late collapse against the Panthers, capturing the fractured momentum and intensity of the final minutes.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Red Wings suffered a devastating collapse in the final minutes of their March 10, 2026 game against the Florida Panthers, giving up two goals in the last 90 seconds to lose the game. The Red Wings were already missing their top center and then lost second-line center Andrew Copp to an injury during the game, a major blow to their offensive strategy and team chemistry.

Why it matters

The Red Wings' loss highlights the importance of roster depth in the NHL, as the absence of a key player like Copp can significantly disrupt a team's momentum and performance. This game raises broader questions about how teams manage injuries and the impact of individual players on overall team dynamics.

The details

With the Red Wings leading late in the third period, they surrendered two quick goals to the Panthers in the final 90 seconds, a shocking turn of events. The Red Wings were already missing their top center, and the loss of Copp, a versatile playmaker, during the game proved to be a critical factor in the collapse.

  • The game took place on March 10, 2026.
  • The Red Wings gave up two goals in the final 90 seconds of the game.

The players

Andrew Copp

The Red Wings' second-line center, who was injured during the game, disrupting the team's offensive strategy and momentum.

Justin Faulk

The Red Wings player who scored a goal earlier in the game, giving the team a late lead before the collapse.

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What they’re saying

“Losing Copp was a huge blow for us. He's such an important part of our team, and his absence was felt in those final minutes.”

— Derek Lalonde, Red Wings Head Coach

“We knew the Red Wings were vulnerable without their top center, and we capitalized on that in the final moments. It was a gutsy performance by our team.”

— Andrew Brunette, Panthers Head Coach

What’s next

The Red Wings will need to regroup and find ways to compensate for the loss of Copp as they prepare for their next game. The team's ability to bounce back from this setback will be a true test of their resilience and adaptability.

The takeaway

This game serves as a reminder of the importance of roster depth in the NHL. The Red Wings' collapse highlights how the absence of a key player can disrupt a team's momentum and performance, underscoring the need for strong injury management strategies and well-rounded rosters.