Red Wings Roll Jets 5–1 in Winnipeg Behind Compher, Depth, and Dominant Detail
This was exactly how you respond to a tough overtime loss.
Two nights after a back-and-forth defeat in Minnesota, the Detroit Red Wings came into Winnipeg with pace, purpose, and control — and left with one of their most complete wins of the season. Behind two goals from J.T. Compher, balanced scoring up and down the lineup, and another steady night in net, Detroit dismantled the Jets 5–1 at Canada Life Centre.
This wasn’t about stealing one. This was about dictating one.
Scoring Recap: Detroit Breaks It Open Late
The game stayed tight early, with Winnipeg striking first midway through the second period.
The Jets’ lone goal came at 10:08 of the second, when Cole Koepke capitalized off a broken play, assisted by Logan Stanley and Morgan Barron.
Detroit answered — and never looked back.
- 15:50 (2nd) — J.T. Compher tied the game by batting in a loose puck near the crease, with Andrew Copp picking up the assist.
- 1:43 (3rd) — Compher struck again, finishing a tick-tack-toe passing sequence from Emmitt Finnie and James van Riemsdyk.
- 8:11 (3rd) — Lucas Raymond extended the lead after a video review confirmed the puck crossed the line.
- 18:11 (3rd) — Alex DeBrincat buried an empty-netter.
- 18:43 (3rd) — Marco Kasper capped it with another late goal, punctuating a dominant third period.
From that point on, Winnipeg had no answers.
J.T. Compher Sets the Tone
This was J.T. Compher’s night.
Two goals. Relentless forechecking. Strong puck support. And a calm presence in all three zones. His second goal early in the third period flipped the game completely, forcing Winnipeg to chase — and Detroit thrives when opponents chase.
Compher didn’t just score. He controlled momentum.
Kasper Finding His Game Again
Quietly, Marco Kasper is starting to look like himself again.
Now skating alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, Kasper looks re-energized. The jump to Detroit’s top line has clearly boosted his confidence, and it’s starting to pay dividends — quicker decisions, stronger puck battles, and a growing willingness to attack instead of defer.
In his last four games, Marco Kasper has accumulated 1 goal and 3 assists for a total of 4 points. He has also maintained a strong plus/minus rating of +5, indicating a positive impact on the ice during that span.
That spark matters. Detroit’s depth is what separates them — and Kasper’s resurgence adds another layer.
Gibson Solid Again, Jets Goalie Made Human
The win moved Gibson’s record to a solid 21-9-1, and he’s arguably playing some of the best hockey of his career.
Gibson’s performance also extended his winning streak to eight games, yet another sign of the stability Detroit has been searching for in net. Even more impressive, John Gibson is now the second goaltender in franchise history to record multiple eight-game winning streaks in the same season, joining Chris Osgood (1995–96) — elite company in Hockeytown.
On the other end, Detroit took care of business and made Connor Hellebuyck look human. The Walled Lake Northern grad has had an up-and-down season this year, and he’s been in the middle of the pack in stats across the board. It’s been more of a supporting cast issue than a drop-off in play.
Hellebuyck is still one of the league’s premier names in net — but this version of his Jets team doesn’t give him much help, and Detroit exposed that with traffic, movement, and second chances.
On this night, Gibson owned the battle of the goaltenders.
Faceoffs: A Quiet Advantage Worth Watching
Here’s a number that continues to matter, but is often overlooked:
Detroit won the faceoff battle 33–27 (55%).
That edge helped Detroit control tempo, manage zone time, and limit Winnipeg’s ability to generate sustained pressure. It’s not a stat that jumps off the scoreboard — but lately, the Wings have been winning more faceoffs than not—and when they do, they win games.
Keep an eye on it.
Injury Watch
Defenseman Simon Edvinsson missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury. He’s still listed as day-to-day, and Detroit continues to hope this isn’t something long-term. His reach and mobility are hard to replace — though the group handled business just fine in his absence Saturday night.
📊 Stat Capsule
Game Leaders
• Goals: J.T. Compher (2)
• Points: J.T. Compher (2)
• Saves: John Gibson (26)
Team Comparison
• Shots: DET 31 | WPG 27
• Faceoffs: DET 55% | WPG 45%
• Hits: Tied 22–22
• Penalty Minutes: DET 2 | WPG 6
Third Period Goals
• Detroit: 4
• Winnipeg: 0
What’s Next
Detroit returns home riding momentum and confidence, opening a key homestand with first place in the Atlantic Division very much in play. With scoring spread throughout the lineup and detail tightening up, this team continues to look like one built for the long haul.
🤔Food For Thought
Is this the version of the Red Wings that can finally stack points without slumping — something that’s bitten them the last two seasons? Drop a comment below or join the conversation in the Red Wings Wheelhouse — where fans break down every game, every angle.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
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