Hockey

Red Wings Fall to Devils, Ending Playoff Hopes in 5-3 Defeat

by
Richard Hayes
April 11, 2026

In a gripping showdown that had playoff implications hanging in the balance, Jesper Bratt’s late goal propelled the New Jersey Devils to a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, effectively eliminating Detroit from NHL playoff contention. With just 3:34 remaining in the third period, Bratt found the net, delivering a crushing blow to the Red Wings’ aspirations.

This loss extends Detroit’s postseason drought, which now stretches back to the 2016 season. That year marked the end of a remarkable streak, where the franchise enjoyed 25 consecutive playoff appearances, including four Stanley Cup championships. The disappointment in the Motor City deepens as the Red Wings had been in a playoff position for an impressive 148 days this season, raising hopes in a fan base eager for a return to postseason glory.

Despite taking the lead multiple times throughout the game, the Red Wings found themselves unable to maintain their advantage. Justin Faulk opened the scoring for Detroit midway through the first period, breaking a scoreless tie. Just a minute later, Olympic star Jack Hughes, playing close to his high school roots, responded with his 27th goal of the season, tying the game for the Devils.

As the game progressed, the Red Wings briefly regained the lead thanks to David Perron’s goal with 8:01 left in the second period. However, Bratt struck again, netting his 21st goal of the season to level the score once more. A tiebreaking goal from Emmitt Finnie put Detroit ahead again early in the third, but the Devils’ Cody Glass quickly equalized, setting the stage for Bratt’s decisive moment.

In the closing minute, Dawson Mercer sealed the deal with an empty-net goal, leaving the Red Wings with a bitter taste as they face another season without playoff hockey. Goaltender John Gibson made 27 saves for Detroit, while Jake Allen stopped 25 shots for New Jersey.

Looking ahead, the Devils will host Ottawa on Sunday, while the Red Wings will travel to Tampa Bay for their next matchup on Monday.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Related TopicsDevils Hockey Hockey News Red Wings

Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.