Detroit Red Wings defeat Philadelphia Flyers 6-2 to keep playoff hopes alive

Dylan Larkin's hat trick and Moritz Seider's career-high five points power Detroit's crucial victory.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:19am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the fast-paced action of a hockey game, with players' forms blending into the vibrant brushstrokes.The Detroit Red Wings' offensive firepower propels them to a crucial victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, keeping their playoff hopes alive.Philadelphia Today

The Detroit Red Wings kept their playoff chances alive with a 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night. Dylan Larkin had a hat trick and Moritz Seider recorded a career-high five points to lead the Red Wings, who trail the Ottawa Senators by three points for the second Eastern Conference wild card spot with three games left. The Flyers, who had won three straight, remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division.

Why it matters

This win was crucial for the Red Wings as they try to secure a playoff spot in the tight Eastern Conference race. The Red Wings are in a must-win situation down the stretch, and this victory over a fellow playoff contender in the Flyers keeps their postseason hopes alive.

The details

The Red Wings jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on Alex DeBrincat's power-play goal, but the Flyers tied it at 1-1 on a deflection by Christian Dvorak. Detroit then scored three unanswered goals in the second period, including two by Larkin, to take control of the game. The Flyers pulled within 4-2 on a power-play goal by Porter Martone, but the Red Wings sealed the victory with two late goals.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • The Red Wings have three games remaining in the regular season.

The players

Dylan Larkin

The Red Wings' captain had a hat trick and an assist in the crucial victory.

Moritz Seider

The Red Wings defenseman recorded a career-high five points with a goal and four assists.

Patrick Kane

The veteran forward had a goal and two assists for the Red Wings.

Porter Martone

The Flyers rookie had a goal and an assist in his sixth NHL game.

Alex DeBrincat

The Red Wings forward scored his 40th goal of the season, the first Detroit player to reach that mark since 2008-09.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was a must-win game for us, and the guys really stepped up. Larkin was dominant, and Seider continues to show why he's one of the best young defensemen in the league.”

— Derek Lalonde, Red Wings Head Coach

What’s next

The Red Wings will host the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, while the Flyers will visit the Winnipeg Jets.

The takeaway

This victory keeps the Red Wings' playoff hopes alive, but they still have work to do to catch the Senators for the final wild card spot. The team's young stars like Larkin and Seider are leading the way, and if they can continue this strong play down the stretch, Detroit could clinch a postseason berth.