Red Wings Eliminated from NHL Playoffs with Loss to Devils

Detroit's postseason drought extends to 10 years despite leading multiple times in 5-3 defeat

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:23am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils, with the players and action broken down into abstract shapes and angles in the style of Pablo Picasso.A cubist interpretation of the Red Wings' heartbreaking loss to the Devils, which officially eliminated Detroit from the NHL playoff race.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Red Wings were eliminated from NHL playoff contention on Saturday after a 5-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils. Despite leading at various points in the game, the Red Wings were unable to hold on as the Devils scored late goals to secure the victory and end Detroit's playoff hopes.

Why it matters

The Red Wings' failure to make the playoffs extends their postseason drought to 10 years, a remarkable drought for a franchise that was once a perennial contender and won four Stanley Cup championships. The loss is a disappointment for the hockey-crazed state of Michigan, which has been eagerly awaiting the Red Wings' return to the playoffs.

The details

The Red Wings took leads in the first, second and third periods, but the Devils were able to come back each time. Jesper Bratt scored the go-ahead goal for New Jersey with 3:34 left in the third period, and Dawson Mercer added an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal the win. Red Wings goaltender John Gibson made 27 saves, while Jake Allen stopped 25 shots for the Devils.

  • The Red Wings' last playoff appearance was in the 2015-16 season, marking a 10-year drought.
  • Jesper Bratt scored the go-ahead goal for the Devils with 3:34 remaining in the third period.

The players

Jesper Bratt

A forward for the New Jersey Devils who scored two goals, including the game-winning goal, to eliminate the Red Wings from playoff contention.

Jack Hughes

A forward for the New Jersey Devils who assisted on Bratt's game-winning goal. Hughes is an Olympic hero and played high school hockey about 25 miles from where the game was played.

John Gibson

The goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings who made 27 saves in the losing effort.

Jake Allen

The goaltender for the New Jersey Devils who made 25 saves to secure the win.

Justin Faulk

A defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings who scored the team's first goal to break the scoreless tie.

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What they’re saying

“We must have let our guard down too many times. It's a tough way to end the season, but we'll learn from this and come back stronger next year.”

— Justin Faulk, Defenseman, Detroit Red Wings

What’s next

The Red Wings will look to regroup and end their 10-year playoff drought next season, while the Devils will host the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.

The takeaway

The Red Wings' failure to make the playoffs for a 10th straight season is a major disappointment for the hockey-loving fans in Michigan. The team's inability to hold onto multiple leads against the Devils highlights the need for improvement, as Detroit looks to rebuild and return to the postseason in the near future.