Red Wings Struggle to Overcome Second-Period Collapse Against Wild

Detroit's late comeback attempt falls short as playoff hopes dim with five games left in the season.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:09pm

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The Detroit Red Wings entered the second period of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Wild with a 1-0 lead, but a disastrous 12-and-a-half-minute stretch saw the Wild score four unanswered goals to take control of the game. Despite a spirited third-period comeback that tied the score, the Red Wings ultimately fell 5-4 after taking a late penalty that led to the game-winning goal by the Wild's Kirill Kaprizov.

Why it matters

The Red Wings' loss was their sixth regulation defeat in the last eight games and fourth straight at home, dealing a significant blow to their playoff hopes with only five games remaining in the season. The team's inability to stop the bleeding when things go wrong has become a recurring issue, raising questions about their mental fortitude and ability to handle adversity as the stakes continue to rise.

The details

The Red Wings had taken a 1-0 lead early, but the Wild struck just 18 seconds into the second period to tie the game. Minnesota then scored three more goals in quick succession, capitalizing on defensive lapses by Detroit to take a commanding 4-1 lead. The Red Wings did mount a furious comeback in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals to tie the game, but an ill-timed penalty late allowed Kaprizov to net the game-winner for the Wild.

  • The Red Wings took a 1-0 lead early in the game.
  • The Wild scored 18 seconds into the second period to tie the game.
  • Minnesota scored three more goals in the next 12 and a half minutes of the second period to take a 4-1 lead.
  • The Red Wings scored three unanswered goals in the third period to tie the game at 4-4.
  • With just under four minutes remaining, the Red Wings took a penalty that led to Kaprizov's game-winning goal for the Wild.

The players

Todd McLellan

The head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, who expressed frustration with his team's inability to stop the bleeding when things go wrong.

Andrew Copp

A forward for the Detroit Red Wings, who acknowledged the team's need to stay focused and play with a sense of urgency despite the mounting pressure and frustration.

Kirill Kaprizov

A forward for the Minnesota Wild, who scored a hat trick, including the game-winning goal, to lead his team to victory over the Red Wings.

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What they’re saying

“I guess to put it gently, really disappointing. (18) seconds in. We win a draw and we're getting scored on because we — what word do I use — lollygag around and don't advance the puck. So now it's in our net, and our team right now, as soon as it doesn't go our way, we crumble for a while.”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach, Detroit Red Wings

“We've got to find a way to not let it weigh on us. We've got to (find a way to) free ourselves up. As soon as you let the outside noise and you guys (media) start to impact what we're doing in here, that's when issues start to happen. So, got to find a way to have fun with it. Play free. Think of these as opportunities, instead of, 'what's going to happen?'”

— Andrew Copp, Forward, Detroit Red Wings

What’s next

The Red Wings will next face the Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers, two direct rivals for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, before wrapping up their home schedule against the New Jersey Devils and finishing the season with two road games against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers.

The takeaway

The Red Wings' inability to stop the bleeding when things go wrong has become a recurring issue, and their late-season slide has put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. With only five games left, the team must find a way to channel their frustration into a renewed sense of urgency and focus if they hope to secure a postseason berth.