Wild Answer Every Punch, Edge Red Wings 4–3 in OT as Detroit Stacks Another Point
Coming off an emotional overtime win in Toronto less than 24 hours earlier, the Detroit Red Wings could’ve been forgiven for a sluggish start against a deep, physical Minnesota Wild team. Instead, they brought their legs, their compete, and their scoring touch — even if the final result didn’t break their way.
Minnesota ultimately escaped with a 4–3 overtime win, but not before Detroit proved (again) that this group can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the league, anywhere. On the second night of a back-to-back, against a quality Western Conference opponent, the Wings earned a valuable road point — and kept stacking results in one of the tightest division races in hockey.
Trading Blows All Night
This game never found a rhythm — and that made it entertaining as hell.
Detroit struck first when Lucas Raymond buried a power-play goal early in the opening period, on a blistering wrister that beat Filip Gustavsson in the top corner. Minnesota answered quickly, but Raymond wasn’t done. Late in the second, a Wild turnover turned into instant punishment as Raymond snapped home his second goal of the night, giving Detroit a 2–1 edge.
The pattern repeated itself in the third.
James van Riemsdyk pushed Detroit ahead 3–2, only to see Mats Zuccarello answer back just 35 seconds later — one of two third-period goals for the Wild winger. Three Detroit leads. Three Minnesota responses. No breathing room for either side.
Overtime ended quickly, with Kirill Kaprizov converting the winner 45 seconds in, but by then Detroit had already done what playoff teams do on the road: survive, compete, and leave with something.
Raymond Keeps Ascending
Nobody has ever doubted Lucas Raymond’s talent, but for much of the season he’s been more setup man than finisher. That’s why it was so encouraging to see him score twice in this one. Back in December, Raymond went through a stretch where he managed just one goal in 15 games — and whether that was lingering health, bad luck, or both, the finish just wasn’t there.
Lately, though, his shot has looked wicked again, and the puck is finally finding the back of the net. The assists were always going to come. If the Red Wings are going to stay in this race, the goals have to catch up — and right now, they finally are.
Raymond finished with two goals (Nos. 16 & 17), extending his team lead to 56 points on the season. He was dangerous every time he touched the puck, especially on the power play, where his confidence and shot selection continue to evolve.
Talbot Gives Them a Chance
The final line won’t flatter Cam Talbot, but his performance deserves more credit than the score suggests.
Minnesota generated quality looks throughout the night, particularly in transition, and Talbot turned aside 35 of 39 shots, bailing Detroit out during long stretches where the Wild carried play. On another night, this is a regulation loss without his steadiness.
That’s the luxury Detroit finally has in net: even on nights where everything isn’t perfect, the goaltending doesn’t collapse.
Why This Point Still Matters
It’s easy to focus on the standings and see Detroit sitting atop the Atlantic — but context matters.
Yes, the Red Wings hold a slim edge. But Tampa Bay has four games in hand, and at their current pace, those likely translate into six or more points. That margin means Detroit can’t afford long dips, sloppy weeks, or extended skids like we’ve seen in past seasons.
What matters more than the exact placement on January 23 is this:
Detroit keeps stacking points.
Back-to-back nights.
Road environments.
Elite opponents.
No excuses.
That’s how playoff teams survive the grind.
Stat Capsule 🏒
Final: Wild 4, Red Wings 3 (OT)
Shots: MIN 39, DET 33
Power Play: DET 1-for-4 | MIN 1-for-2
Faceoffs: MIN 66.7% | DET 33.3%
Game Leaders
- Lucas Raymond: 2 goals
- James van Riemsdyk: 1 goal
- Cam Talbot: 35 saves
Scoring Summary
- 1st: Raymond (PPG) | Kaprizov (PPG)
- 2nd: Raymond
- 3rd: van Riemsdyk | Zuccarello (2)
- OT: Kaprizov (GWG)
Big Picture Takeaway
This wasn’t a setback — it was a confirmation.
Detroit went into Minnesota tired, coming off an emotional win, and still dictated long stretches of play. They led three times. They answered adversity. They left with a point.
That’s growth. That’s maturity. And that’s exactly how teams stay in the playoff picture when the schedule tightens.
Next Up: Winnipeg Test on the Road
The road trip continues Saturday night as the Red Wings head to Winnipeg to take on the Winnipeg Jets. On paper, the Jets sit three games under .500, but Canada Life Centre has been a different story — they’re 12-9-5 at home, and they play a much heavier, more physical brand in their own building.
For Detroit, this one will require the same formula that’s been working: strong goaltending, clean exits, and patience when the game tightens. Winnipeg won’t give much for free, and puck management will be at a premium.
Puck drop: Saturday, 7:00 PM ET, in Winnipeg.
🤔Food for thought
If the Red Wings can consistently steal points on tough back-to-back road trips like this, have you fully embraced their chance to end the playoff drought? Drop a comment below or join the conversation in the Red Wings Wheelhouse — where fans break down every game, every angle.
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Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
