The Detroit Red Wings' big win over the Calgary Flames may have seemed like just another victory. But it was a bigger deal than what meets the eye, considering that the Wings have rarely played anyone so well in recent seasons.
Laurence Heinen of NHL.com reminded fans just how well the Wings have played the Flames, writing, "The Red Wings have won seven consecutive games against the Flames dating to 2022-23, which is their longest active winning streak against a single opponent."
That's huge, considering the Red Wings' inconsistent play in 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25. With zero playoff appearances in that span despite a close call in 2023-24, it was a surprise to see the Wings seemingly play one opponent so well.
Detroit Red Wings have dominated the Calgary Flames over the past few seasons
Ironically, the Flames dominated the Red Wings in the early part of the decade. In 2021-22, Calgary shut out the Wings in both meetings that season before the Wings' streak of dominance began. It started on Feb. 9, 2023, when the Wings beat the Flames 2-1.
What followed wasn't a typical winning streak, but pure dominance over the Flames. Prior to Wednesday night's win over the Flames, Detroit outscored Calgary 23 to 7, never allowing more than two goals in a single game. That trend nearly continued on Wednesday, with the Wings shutting out the Flames across the first two periods before Calgary scored three unanswered goals.
Detroit's biggest win in this span came on Feb. 17, 2024, when they shut out the Flames 5-0. James Reimer picked up the first star award, collecting 38 saves, while Moritz Seider pitched in with five blocked shots.
Detroit's dominance over the Flames may not slow down any time soon
The Red Wings and Flames are heading in opposite directions, with Detroit trending upward and fighting for the lead in the Atlantic Division on a nightly basis. Meanwhile, the Flames are in seventh place in the Pacific Division and look like they will be in consideration for a top-three pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Calgary's best bet to unseat the Wings is to catch them on a bad night when the two teams face off in Detroit on Mar. 16. By then, the trade deadline will have passed, and the Flames could easily sell off a few talents while the Wings may finally be buyers.
As the Wings keep playing better and more consistent hockey, they will enjoy a few more winning steaks similar to the one they have over the Flames. Ideally, they would like for that to occur within their own division, as it might make the insurmountable task of winning the Atlantic a lot easier.