Red Wings' Playoff Drought Reaches 10 Years After Elimination

Detroit fans boo as team blows another third-period lead in home finale loss to Devils

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey game, with players and the arena broken down into abstract shapes and angles, reflecting the chaos and intensity of the sport.The Red Wings' prolonged playoff drought has left their passionate fans in Hockeytown feeling frustrated and disconnected from their once-dominant team.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Red Wings were eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention on Saturday, extending their playoff drought to 10 years - the longest in franchise history and the longest active drought in the NHL. The Red Wings blew a third-period lead in their home finale, losing 5-3 to the New Jersey Devils, as frustrated fans booed at Little Caesars Arena on 'Fan Appreciation Night'.

Why it matters

The Red Wings' prolonged playoff drought has left their passionate fan base in Hockeytown craving a competitive team that can give them something to cheer about. The team's struggles this season, including their inability to hold third-period leads, have further strained the relationship between the organization and its loyal supporters.

The details

The Red Wings needed just one point on Saturday to avoid elimination, but they were unable to hold onto a 3-2 lead in the third period. The Devils scored three unanswered goals, including an empty-netter, to hand the Red Wings their latest defeat. This loss officially eliminated Detroit from playoff contention, extending their drought to 10 years - the longest in franchise history and the longest active drought in the NHL.

  • The Red Wings were eliminated from playoff contention on April 12, 2026.
  • The Red Wings' home finale, where they were eliminated, took place on 'Fan Appreciation Night'.

The players

Todd McLellan

The head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, who was previously an assistant coach when the team won the Stanley Cup in 2008.

Emmitt Finnie

A Red Wings player who scored the go-ahead goal in the third period, but was unable to hold the lead.

Cody Glass

A Devils player who tied the game at 3-3 in the third period, sparking the comeback.

Jesper Bratt

A Devils player who scored the game-winning goal in the third period to put New Jersey ahead for good.

Dawson Mercer

A Devils player who scored an empty-net goal to seal the victory for New Jersey.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is Detroit. This is Hockeytown. I've been lucky enough to be on the other side of it when they couldn't stop cheering for this team, and they're dying for that. They crave that. That's what they want.”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach, Detroit Red Wings

“And this 'outside noise' stuff or whatever (the players bring up about media criticism), that's inside noise. Those are our fans in our building, and they pay to watch us play, and we get paid well to perform for them, and they're fully entitled to their opinion, and we deserve their opinion. There's no other way to sugarcoat it. That's what we earned.”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach, Detroit Red Wings

What’s next

The Red Wings will enter the offseason facing tough questions about the direction of the franchise and how to end their lengthy playoff drought.

The takeaway

The Red Wings' inability to end their 10-year playoff drought, despite being in Hockeytown, has left their passionate fan base frustrated and disillusioned. The team's struggles, including blowing third-period leads, have further strained the relationship between the organization and its loyal supporters, who are craving a competitive team that can give them something to cheer about.