Red Wings' Captain Larkin Sparks Playoff Push with Hat Trick

Detroit's nine-year postseason drought could end as team rallies behind its leader

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in shades of red, blue, and white, capturing the dynamic movement and energy of a hockey game, with overlapping planes and fragmented perspectives.The Red Wings' captain leads the charge as the team fights to end its long playoff drought and reclaim its place among the NHL's elite.Philadelphia Today

The Detroit Red Wings, led by captain Dylan Larkin, are fighting to end their nine-year playoff drought as the Stanley Cup Playoffs quickly approach. Larkin's hat trick in a recent win against the Philadelphia Flyers has ignited the team's momentum, with defenseman Moritz Seider also contributing a standout performance. The Red Wings now sit just three points behind the Ottawa Senators for the second wild card spot, setting up a crucial final stretch of the regular season.

Why it matters

The Red Wings' playoff drought is the longest in the team's 100-year history, making this late-season push all the more significant. A return to the postseason would not only end years of frustration for the franchise and its loyal fans, but it would also cement the team's legacy and prove their resilience in the face of adversity.

The details

Larkin, a 29-year-old native of Detroit, has been a key part of the Red Wings for years, including appearing in five playoff games as a rookie. His return from injury has provided an immediate boost, as his hat trick against the Flyers secured the team's first win of the season and energized both the players and the fans. Seider, who tied a Detroit record for a defenseman with five points in the game, emphasized the team's unity, with Larkin echoing the importance of a collective effort.

  • The Red Wings are three points behind the Ottawa Senators for the second wild card spot with three games remaining in the regular season.
  • The team's upcoming fixtures against the New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers will be crucial in determining their playoff fate.

The players

Dylan Larkin

The 29-year-old captain of the Detroit Red Wings, who has been with the team for his entire NHL career and has previously appeared in five playoff games as a rookie.

Moritz Seider

A defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings who tied the team record for a defenseman with five points in a recent game, highlighting the collective effort required for the team's success.

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What they’re saying

“It was good to show emotion for our guys.”

— Dylan Larkin, Captain, Detroit Red Wings

“It takes all of us.”

— Moritz Seider, Defenseman, Detroit Red Wings

What’s next

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The takeaway

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