Axel Sandin Pellikka was five, Dylan Larkin was approaching his 14th birthday and Pavel Datsyuk was heading to a third consecutive Selke Trophy the last time a Detroit Red Wings team had a month like this

It was the 2009-10 season. It was more than 15 years ago.

In March 2010, the Red Wings were 12-2-1 and no Detroit team has come close to being that good in a single month until this season. When coach Todd McLellan’s team downed the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 on New Years Eve, it gave the team an 11-3-1 record for the month.  That is the best Detroit showing in a single month since 2010.

John Gibson’ 9-1-0 record since Dec. 2, with a 2.21 goals-against average, a 0.925 save percentage and two shutouts, has played a big role in Detroit’s December success. It has also helped that the Red Wings are leading the NHL in one-goal victories. 

By the way, the Red Wings closed 2025 with 51 points. That’s a pace for 102 points for the season. That would probably be enough to end Detroit’s nine-year playoff drought.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

It was 52 years, on New Year’s Eve, at Olympia Stadium, that the NHL had its last game featuring two maskless goalies.

Former Red Wings player Lowell MacDonald dead at 84.

Coach Todd McLellan said it was a difficult decision to send John Leonard back to the Grand Rapids Griffins. 

Red Wings Extra

Former Detroit player Filip Zadina had two points in the third period, including the game-winning goal, to help HC Davos to a 6-3 win against the U.S. Selects in the championship game at the prestigious Spengler Cup in Switzerland.  Red Wings prospect defenseman Larry Keenan was on the U.S. Selects, a team made up of top college players.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Devon Toews is on Team Canada. However, his wife is due to have a baby on Feb. 2. He has informed team officials that he won’t report until the baby is born. He said his position is “family first.” Colorado Avalanche

Florida: Brad Marchand and Sam Reinhart will play for team Canada. But Sam Bennett doesn’t get the call. Florida Panthers. 

Philadelphia: Rivals Flyers and Penguins swing a player-for-player trade. Philadelphia Flyers.  

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski has NHL trade rumors tucked into his daily report. Pittsburgh Penguins.