Red Wings Face Devils in Key Eastern Conference Matchup

Detroit looks to extend lead over Columbus in wildcard race as New Jersey aims to stay in playoff hunt

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Detroit Red Wings (35-21-7), the top wildcard team in the Eastern Conference, start a four-game road trip by taking on the New Jersey Devils (32-29-2) at Prudential Center. The Red Wings are four points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final playoff spot in the East, while the Devils are nine points out of a postseason berth.

Why it matters

This game has major playoff implications, as the Red Wings look to solidify their hold on a wildcard spot, while the Devils try to keep their faint postseason hopes alive. Detroit has struggled without captain Dylan Larkin, going just 4-10 in their last 14 games, so this road trip will be crucial for their playoff positioning.

The details

The Red Wings have been led by the strong play of goaltender John Gibson, who is 19-6-1 with a 2.08 goals-against average and .924 save percentage since early December. Detroit's power play has also been a strength, ranking 10th in the NHL at 22.6%. Meanwhile, the Devils enter on a four-game winning streak, their longest such run of the season, and will look to continue their strong play at home, where they are 21-5-1 when scoring first.

  • The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 8, 2026.
  • The Red Wings last defeated the Devils 4-3 on November 24, 2025.

The players

John Gibson

The Red Wings' starting goaltender has been outstanding since early December, posting a 19-6-1 record with a 2.08 goals-against average and .924 save percentage.

Dylan Larkin

The Red Wings' captain is day-to-day with a lower body injury, and the team has struggled in his absence, going 4-10 in their last 14 games.

Nico Hischier

The Devils' top center leads the team with 32 goals and 45 assists, and will be a key player as New Jersey tries to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Jake Allen

The Devils' starting goaltender has been solid this season, posting a 32-29-2 record with a 2.84 goals-against average and .910 save percentage.

Justin Faulk

The veteran defenseman will make his Red Wings debut after being acquired in a trade, and will look to bolster Detroit's blue line.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same intensity and focus that has led to our recent success. The Devils are a tough opponent, but we're confident we can come away with a win on the road.”

— Nico Hischier, Devils Captain (New Jersey Devils Official Website)

“Getting Larkin back healthy is crucial for us, but in the meantime, we need to find a way to win these tough road games. The addition of Faulk should help solidify our defense, and we'll need strong goaltending from Gibson to come away with two points.”

— Jeff Blashill, Red Wings Head Coach (Detroit Hockey Now)

What’s next

The Red Wings and Devils will meet again on March 16 in Detroit, in what could be another crucial game for both teams' playoff aspirations.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Red Wings and Devils is a key battle in the Eastern Conference playoff race, with both teams fighting to improve their postseason positioning. Detroit's ability to win on the road and get key contributions from their supporting cast will be crucial, while New Jersey looks to continue its recent hot streak and keep its playoff hopes alive.