Detroit Red Wings vs Winnipeg Jets December 31, 2025: Review

Game Overview

The Detroit Red Wings closed out 2025 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday, December 31. The win improved Detroit’s record to 24-14-3, giving them 51 points at the season’s halfway mark and moving them to the top of the Atlantic Division.

This game continued the Red Wings’ long-standing tradition of playing on New Year’s Eve, a practice dating back to 1927 when they were known as the Detroit Cougars. The franchise has maintained this tradition with few exceptions, particularly since the 1950s.

Scoring Summary

First Period:

Dylan Larkin (DET) – Power Play Goal, 8:22
Mason Appleton (DET) – 14:48, assisted by J.T. Compher

Second Period:

No scoring

Third Period:

Logan Stanley (WPG) – 7:04

Standout Performances

John Gibson (DET)

Gibson delivered another stellar performance in net, making 24 saves on 25 shots. This victory marked his ninth win in 10 starts during December, continuing his remarkable month that has helped propel the Red Wings to an impressive 11-3-1 record in December.

Dylan Larkin (DET)

The Red Wings captain opened the scoring with a power play goal, ripping a shot through traffic that beat Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck glove-side. Larkin both drew the penalty and capitalized on the resulting power play opportunity.

Mason Appleton (DET)

Facing his former team (he spent seven seasons with the Jets), Appleton scored the eventual game-winner. The goal came off a two-on-one rush with J.T. Compher, who made a nice pass to Appleton. Although Appleton’s shot was initially saved by Hellebuyck, Jets defenseman Luke Schenn inadvertently knocked the puck into his own net while sliding in to defend.

Connor Hellebuyck (WPG)

The Commerce, Michigan native made 17 saves in a losing effort for the Jets. Despite the loss, Hellebuyck performed well against his hometown team. Interestingly, both Hellebuyck and Larkin grew up near each other in Detroit’s western suburbs and are expected to be teammates on Team USA in the upcoming Olympics.

Red Wings’ Strong First Period

Detroit came out strong in the opening period, scoring twice and establishing a lead they would not relinquish. Larkin’s power play goal at 8:22 energized the home crowd, while Appleton’s goal late in the period provided crucial insurance.

Jets’ Third Period Push

Winnipeg mounted a significant comeback effort in the third period, outshooting Detroit 8-3 through much of the frame. Logan Stanley finally broke through Gibson’s stellar goaltending at 7:04 with a low shot that seemed to catch the Red Wings netminder by surprise.

Final Minutes Tension

The game’s closing moments were particularly tense as Winnipeg pulled Hellebuyck with 2:29 remaining for an extra attacker. Despite the Jets’ pressure, Detroit’s defense held firm to secure the victory.

Game Statistics

Final Score: Detroit 2, Winnipeg 1
Shots: Winnipeg 25, Detroit 19
Face-off %: Detroit 51.06%, Winnipeg 48.94%
Hits: Winnipeg 24, Detroit 13
Blocked Shots: Winnipeg 20, Detroit 11
Power Plays: Detroit 1/3, Winnipeg 0/3
Attendance: 19,515

Context and Significance

Red Wings’ Resurgence

The victory placed Detroit at the top of the Atlantic Division with 51 points, two ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning (who also won their game that night). This marks a significant improvement for a franchise that has been rebuilding in recent years.

Jets’ Struggles

The loss extended Winnipeg’s winless streak to seven games (0-4-3), contributing to their position at the bottom of the Central Division with a 15-19-4 record.