In a pivotal matchup on March 19, 2026, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-1, with Alex DeBrincat netting the go-ahead goal with just 3:25 left in the game.
The Red Wings’ victory was solidified by goals from J.T. Compher and Andrew Copp, while John Gibson made an impressive 32 saves, ensuring his team maintained control throughout the contest. Juraj Slafkovsky scored the Canadiens’ only goal on a power play, just 13 seconds after they were awarded the opportunity.
This win marks the Red Wings’ second consecutive victory, a notable achievement as they had not won back-to-back games since mid-January. The Red Wings also secured the season series against the Canadiens, finishing with a 2-1 record.
Despite the loss, the Canadiens showed resilience, having lost three of their last four games. Coach Martin St. Louis remarked, “We were right there despite a lot of bad luck,” highlighting the competitive nature of the match.
The atmosphere during the game was described as playoff-like by Red Wings coach Todd McLellan, emphasizing the intensity and stakes involved. Dylan Larkin missed his sixth consecutive game due to a lower-body injury, which has impacted the Red Wings’ lineup.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of Larkin’s injury, but his absence has been felt on the ice. The Canadiens will look to rebound as they prepare to host the New York Islanders on Saturday.
Overall, the matchup showcased the longstanding rivalry between the Canadiens and Red Wings, both teams striving for playoff positioning as the season progresses.