The Sergei Fedorov retirement celebration only half-explains why this is a big night for the Detroit Red Wings.

While the emphasis is on honoring Fedorov, the bigger concern for the team is playing against the Carolina Hurricanes for the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference. The Atlantic Division-leading Detroit is also trying to hold off the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens who are right behind in the division race.

The Lightning take a nine-game winning streak into tonight’s road game in Philadelphia, while the Habs are home to face a Canucks team that has lost three in a row and is 2-6-2 in their last 10.

When this season started, Detroit was known only as a team that has missed the playoffs for nine years. Today, with 56% of their games already played, the Red Wings are a contender. Moneypuck.com says the Red Wings have a 75.3% chance of making the playoffs and a 53.8% shot of finishing in the top three in their division.

Moneypuck.com also pegs Detroit with a 34.9% chance of reaching the second round of the NHL playoffs. This is not last season when games that seemed important never turned out to be. Tonight’s game is a big one.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Red Wings share tales about Sergei Fedorov as the organization prepares to retire his number tonight.

Grand Rapids Griffins captain Dominik Shine received two-year contract exchange from Detroit organization.

After rough start, John Gibson is the goalie the Red Wings thought he would be when they traded for him.

Red Wings Extra

Red Wings prospect Carter Bear (13th, 2025) had two assists for the Everett Silvertips in a 6-4 win against the Prince George Cougars. . . . Former Detroit player Tomas Tatar has been chosen to play for the Slovakia team at the Winter Olympics. . . Former Detroit player Taro Hirose is ninth in the DEL (German League) scoring race with 40 points in 37 games for EHC Munchen.

Will Murphy(6th round’25)
+/-0 4 PIM 5 Hits in a 5-0 loss#LGRW pic.twitter.com/fs11fc9gOH

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) January 11, 2026

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