The Detroit Red Wings sit in first place in the Atlantic Division. But if you wait a minute or two, they might have five teams to jump over to get a wildcard position.

Welcome to the Eastern Conference playoff race where the difference between being a division leader and eighth in the wildcard race is five points. Detroit (4-0-2 in its last six games) is first the Atlantic with 37 points, while the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets are sixth, seventh and eighth in the wildcard race with 32 points.

You can say it’s early but when the Red Wings finish this six-game road trip, they will have played 33 games. That represents 40.2% of the schedule. That’s not early.

What that means is absolutely every aspect of the Red Wings’ lineup matters. Here is what has helped them lately:

1. Andrew Copp is delivering as a second line center: He’s not the long-term answer, but he has six points in his last four games. He’s plus-seven in those games. This is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league, and right now, he is providing quality offense.

Defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka is figuring it out: He has a goal and four assists for five points in his past four games. He’s plus-five in his past two games. Before then, Sandin Pellikka had gone nine games without being a plus player.

3. Goalie John Gibson is getting it done: He has won four consecutive games and has stopped 131 of 141 shots in those contests. He owns a .929 save percentage in these games. The NHL average save percentage is .898 this morning.

These are three examples of non-productive players who have found their way on this road trip. And we are in a season where increased performance by two or three players can make a significant difference

Red Wings In Case You Missed it

Bob Duff wonders how Team USA can consider leaving Alex DeBrincat off its Olympic roster. Todd McLellan believes he should be on the roster. Not many American players are playing as impressively as DeBrincat is.

Defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka is starting to pile on the points now.

Defenseman Quinn Hughes says he’s only thinking about trying to get wins for the Vancouver Canucks as the trade winds swirl. But it is difficult for him.

Red Wings Extra

Former Red Wings player Robby Fabbri, 29, has signed a two-way NHL contract ($775,000) with the St. Louis Blues. The Blues needed forward depth because Jordan Kyrou is out week-to-week… Prospect Larry Keenan, whose grandfather played in the NHL, is worth keeping an eye on. There’s always room for effective defenders at the NHL level. 

Keenan is creating a ton while not ceding his position much at all. A true stay-at-home defender, great player #LGRW https://t.co/oUpPdS4vl2 pic.twitter.com/90Ed0D1Sj0

— Foley (@NHLFoley) December 10, 2025

Hockey Now Network

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San Jose: Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov is recovering from his illness. He may be ready to play tonight against the Maple Leafs. San Jose Sharks