Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets April 7, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena
The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in a dramatic shootout on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena. The victory ended Columbus’s six-game losing streak while dealing another crushing blow to Detroit’s playoff hopes in front of 17,687 fans.
Werenski Delivers Heroic Performance
Zach Werenski was the star of the night for Columbus. The defenseman recorded a goal and an assist in regulation before scoring the decisive shootout goal. Playing a game-high 33:26, Werenski showcased why he’s one of the league’s elite defensemen.
“Those are the moments you play the game for,” said Werenski, who grew up as a Red Wings fan in suburban Detroit. The shootout winner was his first career shootout goal, making it even more memorable.
Werenski’s performance was historic. He reached 80 points (22 goals, 58 assists) on the season, becoming only the third American defenseman in NHL history with consecutive 80-point seasons. He also set a Blue Jackets single-season record with his 26th multi-point game.
Fantilli’s Late Heroics Force Overtime
The game’s most dramatic moment came with just 17 seconds remaining in regulation. With Columbus trailing 3-2 and their goaltender pulled, Adam Fantilli fired a slap shot off John Gibson’s shoulder to tie the game. The goal came after Sean Monahan won a crucial face-off and Werenski made a perfect pass.
“I know I had a lane, but it was great to see it go in,” Fantilli said after the game.
Faulk Shines Despite Detroit’s Loss
Justin Faulk had an outstanding performance for Detroit, scoring twice in his return from a lower-body injury. His two goals gave the Red Wings leads of 2-1 and 3-2, but neither held up. Faulk recorded a club-high six shots on goal.
Dylan Larkin also contributed a power-play goal and an assist for Detroit. However, the Red Wings couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities in overtime, with Andrew Copp’s breakaway stopped by Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves.
Goaltending Battle
Greaves made 34 saves for Columbus, including seven crucial stops in overtime. He also earned his first career NHL point with an assist on Werenski’s power-play goal. Gibson made 32 saves for Detroit but couldn’t stop Werenski in the shootout’s fifth round.
Playoff Implications Intensify
The loss was devastating for Detroit’s playoff aspirations. The Red Wings now sit three points behind the Ottawa Senators for the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot with just four games remaining. Detroit has lost seven of its last nine games, including five straight at home.
“That point might keep us alive,” said Red Wings coach Todd McLellan. “We are in must-win territory here, but we are still in it.”
For Columbus, the victory kept them in the playoff hunt. The Blue Jackets remain two points behind both Philadelphia and Ottawa with four games to play.
Looking Ahead
Both teams face crucial matchups in their next games. Columbus visits Buffalo on Thursday, while Detroit hosts Philadelphia in what could be an elimination game. Every point matters as the regular season winds down, and Tuesday’s thriller showed just how tight the playoff race has become.
Photo: Tim Jarrold – In Play! magazine
