J.T. Compher Steps Up, Sparks Red Wings to Statement Win Over Jets
It may have taken a little time, but J.T. Compher is starting to find his rhythm-and the timing couldn’t be better for the Detroit Red Wings.
On Saturday night, Compher delivered his most impactful performance of the season, scoring twice-including the game-winner in the third period-as the Red Wings rolled to a 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. The victory capped off a strong three-game road trip for Detroit, where they picked up five of a possible six points and, more importantly, claimed sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division.
For Compher, who’s now tallied four goals and two assists over his last 10 games, this stretch is more than just a hot streak-it’s a sign of growing confidence and chemistry within a Red Wings team that’s quietly been building something solid.
“This isn’t a new group,” Compher said after the win. “It’s a group that’s been together, and we’ve been through highs and lows. I’ll go to battle with that group any day.”
That battle mentality was on full display in Winnipeg. After falling behind 1-0 midway through the second period, Detroit didn’t panic. Instead, they responded late in the frame with Compher’s first goal of the night, a gritty tally that shifted the momentum heading into the third.
Then came the dagger.
Early in the final period, Compher finished off a slick three-way passing sequence with James van Riemsdyk and Emmitt Finnie. The play was textbook: crisp, clean, and composed. Compher buried the puck for what would stand as the game-winner, and the Red Wings never looked back.
But this wasn’t just about offense. It was about resilience-and a locker room that answered the bell when it mattered most.
Head coach Todd McLellan challenged his team between the second and third periods, and they responded with urgency and discipline.
“We just stayed patient,” Compher said. “We knew the first two periods were okay-not great, not terrible. Todd challenged us to stick with it and not press too hard, and I thought we were patient but aggressive in the third.”
That balance-between poise and pressure-has become a defining trait of this Red Wings team. They’re not just skating hard; they’re thinking the game at a high level. And with veterans like Compher stepping up in key moments, the leadership group is starting to show its teeth.
Now sitting atop the Atlantic, Detroit is sending a clear message: they’re not just here to compete-they’re here to contend.
And if Compher keeps finding the back of the net like this, they’ll be a tough out for anyone come spring.