Red Wings Host Lightning in Key Eastern Conference Matchup

Catch the action on ESPN+ as Detroit looks to gain ground in the playoff race

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:23pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and action on the ice.Two Eastern Conference playoff contenders collide in a high-stakes late-season showdown on the ice.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Red Wings will host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup. The Red Wings currently sit 11th in the conference standings with 91 points, while the Lightning are fourth with 104 points. Both teams will be missing key players due to injuries and personal matters.

Why it matters

This game has significant playoff implications, as the Red Wings are fighting to secure a postseason berth. A win over the Lightning, one of the conference's top teams, would be a big boost to Detroit's chances. The game also features two of the NHL's most exciting young stars in the Red Wings' Lucas Raymond and the Lightning's Brayden Point.

The details

The game will be played at Benchmark International Arena in Detroit and is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET. It will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+. The Red Wings will be without several injured players, including Michael Rasmussen, Mason Appleton, and Dominic James. The Lightning will also have some key absences, with Victor Hedman out due to a personal matter and Zemgus Girgensons and Darren Raddysh listed as day-to-day.

  • The game is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET.
  • The Red Wings and Lightning last met on March 25, 2026, with Tampa Bay winning 4-2.

The players

Lucas Raymond

A 24-year-old forward for the Detroit Red Wings who is in his third NHL season and has emerged as one of the team's top offensive threats.

Brayden Point

A 26-year-old center for the Tampa Bay Lightning who is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the league's elite two-way forwards.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge game for us as we try to secure a playoff spot. Tampa Bay is one of the best teams in the league, so beating them would be a huge confidence boost.”

— Lucas Raymond, Forward, Detroit Red Wings

“We know the Red Wings are going to be hungry and desperate for this win. We'll need to bring our 'A' game to leave Detroit with two points.”

— Brayden Point, Center, Tampa Bay Lightning

What’s next

The Red Wings and Lightning will meet again on April 25 in Tampa, in what could be a crucial late-season matchup with playoff seeding on the line.

The takeaway

This game represents a key opportunity for the Red Wings to gain ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race by taking down one of the conference's top teams. A win would provide a major boost to Detroit's postseason aspirations and showcase the team's young talent against an established powerhouse.