Detroit Red Wings
The Daily: It’s Been 15 Years Since Red Wings Had a Month Like This; Zadina Delivers in Davos
Axel Sandin Pellikka was five, Dylan Larkin was approaching his 14th birthday and Pavel Datsyuk was heading to a third consecutive Selke Trophy the last time a Detroit Red Wings team had a month like this
It was the 2009-10 season. It was more than 15 years ago.
In March 2010, the Red Wings were 12-2-1 and no Detroit team has come close to being that good in a single month until this season. When coach Todd McLellan’s team downed the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 on New Years Eve, it gave the team an 11-3-1 record for the month. That is the best Detroit showing in a single month since 2010.
John Gibson’ 9-1-0 record since Dec. 2, with a 2.21 goals-against average, a 0.925 save percentage and two shutouts, has played a big role in Detroit’s December success. It has also helped that the Red Wings are leading the NHL in one-goal victories.
By the way, the Red Wings closed 2025 with 51 points. That’s a pace for 102 points for the season. That would probably be enough to end Detroit’s nine-year playoff drought.
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
It was 52 years, on New Year’s Eve, at Olympia Stadium, that the NHL had its last game featuring two maskless goalies.
Former Red Wings player Lowell MacDonald dead at 84.
Coach Todd McLellan said it was a difficult decision to send John Leonard back to the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Red Wings Extra
Former Detroit player Filip Zadina had two points in the third period, including the game-winning goal, to help HC Davos to a 6-3 win against the U.S. Selects in the championship game at the prestigious Spengler Cup in Switzerland. Red Wings prospect defenseman Larry Keenan was on the U.S. Selects, a team made up of top college players.
Hockey Now Network
Colorado: Devon Toews is on Team Canada. However, his wife is due to have a baby on Feb. 2. He has informed team officials that he won’t report until the baby is born. He said his position is “family first.” Colorado Avalanche
Florida: Brad Marchand and Sam Reinhart will play for team Canada. But Sam Bennett doesn’t get the call. Florida Panthers.
Philadelphia: Rivals Flyers and Penguins swing a player-for-player trade. Philadelphia Flyers.
Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski has NHL trade rumors tucked into his daily report. Pittsburgh Penguins.
For those who might have missed it, the Griffins lost last night. But they took the game to overtime (thanks to a 3rd-period short handed goal by John Leonard). So they walked away with yet another point.
They’re now 26-1-2 which is good for 54 points. That’s 19 points ahead of the Chicago Wolves in the Central Division. And their goal differential is a ridiculous 114-51 (a difference of +63 goals).
Looking at Leonard’s stats, something I hadn’t noticed before is how few penalties he takes. Last year he had 22 minutes in 72 games for Charlotte. This year he has just 2 minutes in 21 games for the Griffins, and none in seven games with the Wings. McLellan has to love those kinds of numbers.
I hadn’t realized that Leonard had that few penalties. Real good player. Hope he gets a job in the Big Show. I don’t know what more he could have done when he was up to stay up.
Obie did u read it was a roster issue. I was as Mas as you until I read that,as an emergency recall, due to the Kane injury he could only play nine games. Any more than that he would have to be exposed to waivers. Yzerman sent him down to prevent that and keep him. He will be back soon I believe. Happy 2026
Tom according to what I know he was not an emergency call up. Gus was sent down making room for him. But whatever the case why send down a player that is helping the team. Sod Raz and Comp are passengers and Kasper is just that- a ghost. I would think that you keep Leonard and do something with the other guys. JMO
Was watching the Wings with the Grifs home audio on from their website. Milwaukee is definitely a rivalry team. Played strong. Echo the Leonard data.
Caught much of the AHL finals last year and was really impressed by Leonard. Coach and Wings fans should be loving that he is in the tool belt when needed.