The Detroit Red Wings will finish their 2025-26 season with a game against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on Wednesday, April 15. Both teams have missed out on the playoffs this year.
This final matchup holds significance as it marks the conclusion of a challenging season for both clubs. The Red Wings and Panthers are set to face off at 7 p.m., with coverage available on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit and the Red Wings Radio Network.
Emmitt Finnie said, “It’s tough to win in March and April. It’s desperation at that time. I feel like every team puts their playoff mentality into that. For next year, I think we’re going to have to do a better job down the stretch of finding ways to win games.” Carter Mazur added, “It’s about ending the season on a good note and especially with a win. Four of us are still going to head down to Grand Rapids and hopefully play for the [Calder Cup] down there, so we need to get ready for that as well.”
Detroit enters this game with a record of 41-30-10 (92 points), while Florida stands at 39-38-4 (82 points). The Red Wings have won once in three meetings against Florida this season. In their previous outing Monday night, Detroit rallied from two goals behind before falling in overtime against Tampa Bay; Patrick Kane reached his 1,400th NHL point during that contest.
Head coach Todd McLellan said about lineup changes, “We’ll have some health things that we have to look at before the game,” adding: “Gibby’s going to play tonight.” McLellan also said of his players: “I want them to play hard and be competitive. It’s as simple as that.”
The Panthers will close out their campaign dealing with over 500 man-games lost due to injury but secured seventh place in their division after defeating the New York Rangers earlier this week. Sam Reinhart leads Florida in goals and points despite being sidelined since March due to injury; Matthew Tkachuk is expected back after missing one game for personal reasons.
The Detroit Red Wings operate as one of the Original Six teams in the National Hockey League according to the official website. They represent Detroit, Michigan according to the official website and host games downtown according to the official website. The team has secured eleven Stanley Cup championships throughout its history according to the official website, upholding what is described as a legacy of excellence as one of America’s top-performing hockey franchises according to the official website.
