Regardless of the Winnipeg Jets' record and point total, it doesn't matter. They won the Presidents' Trophy in 2025, which is now officially last year, and they have a lot of players back from that team. So, when the Detroit Red Wings hang a win on them, celebrate, because it was a well-earned win.
Detroit came out hot in this one, with Dylan Larkin getting things rolling on a power-play goal at the 8:22 mark on a snapshot with helpers from his usual henchmen, Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. Then Mason Appleton came around and potted one at 14:48 on a snap with apples from J.T. Compher and Michael Rasmussen.
The Wings sat back and played defense after that, letting the red-hot John Gibson snag yet another outstanding outing with 23 saves as they cruised to a 2-1 win. That's how you end the year and enter midseason on a high note: Win against a hockey team capable of trapping anyone, and setting the stage for a successful first four months of the new year.
Detroit Red Wings have some much-needed New Year's resolutions
On Wednesday, I wrote about three New Year's resolutions that were non-negotiable for the Red Wings in 2026. And no, I didn't include "making the playoffs" in that piece, because it would've been too obvious. Nor did it say "win the Atlantic." Instead, these resolutions were more specific.
It's true that the Wings need to win games, and keep up their winning ways in January if they're interested in maintaining their lead in the Atlantic. Michael Coyle checked off five games those donning the Winged Wheel must circle in red on their calendars in the new year.
John Leonard stays hot but the Grand Rapids Griffins fall in overtime
In his first game back with the Grand Rapids Griffins following his short stint filling in for Patrick Kane, John Leonard notched his 20th goal of the season. A short-handed one with a helper from Justin Holl, of all players.
That goal occurred in the 13:16 mark of the third period, and it tied the game for the Griffins, who took the Milwaukee Admirals into overtime. Unfortunately, Zach L'Heureux scored just 58 seconds into the extra frame, handing the Griffins their first overtime loss of the season.
Grand Rapids now has one regulation, one overtime, and one shootout loss on the year. Other than that, their record has been unreal, with 26 wins to date. Will this team keep it up in 2026? Don't put it past them.
No rest for the Red Wings on New Year's Day
How do you celebrate a big win on the final day of the year and keep building momentum? You travel to the Steel City and play the Pittsburgh Penguins on a back-to-back. Detroit, 7-3-0 in their last 10 and winners in five of their last six, is taking on a struggling Penguins team that has gone 3-5-2 in their last 10.
That said, there's not a bad team in the East, with the worst team in the conference, the New York Rangers, boasting a 0.512 point percentage. Pittsburgh is currently 12th in the East with a 0.566 point percentage and 43 total in 38 games, giving them three games in hand over the Wings.
Just like they did on Wednesday night, the Wings have no choice but to bring their A-game. Let's see if they can handle it on yet another back-to-back.