The Detroit Red Wings are making a statement - and not just in the standings.
With Dylan Larkin’s overtime winner against the Maple Leafs on Wednesday night, Detroit completed a season sweep of Toronto for the first time since 1995-96. That’s not just a historical footnote - it’s a signal that this team is turning a corner in a division that’s been dominated by powerhouses in recent years.
Let’s put it into perspective: the Red Wings are now 4-0 against the Leafs this season. That’s not a fluke.
That’s a team taking care of business against a key divisional rival. And when you consider that Detroit hadn’t pulled off a four-game sweep of Toronto in nearly three decades - back when Sergei Fedorov was lighting it up in the Winged Wheel - it underscores just how far this group has come.
Larkin’s goal in OT wasn’t just another game-winner. It was his third overtime tally of the season and the 12th of his career, tying him with Fedorov for the franchise lead.
That’s elite company. And it’s fitting, too - Larkin has become the emotional and tactical centerpiece of this team, and his clutch scoring is a big reason why Detroit is sitting tied with Tampa Bay atop the Atlantic Division.
Yes, you read that right: the Red Wings are dead even with the Lightning, a team that’s gone 13-0-1 in its last 14 games. That’s how strong Detroit’s been. They’re not just hanging around - they’re keeping pace with one of the league’s hottest teams.
And they’re doing it with divisional dominance. Detroit is 10-4-2 against Atlantic opponents, a crucial stat considering over 60% of their schedule is already behind them. These intra-division games matter - a lot - when it comes to playoff positioning, and the Wings are showing they’re ready to battle for home ice come spring.
“(Atlantic games are) important games and especially coming into this building,” Larkin said after the win, referring to Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. “It’s always a big game… it’s not the end of the world, but we’ve talked about being good in the Atlantic and being good against divisional opponents, and we have so far.”
That mindset is paying off.
Meanwhile, down in Grand Rapids, the Red Wings’ pipeline is flexing its muscles. Michal Postava recorded his second consecutive shutout with a 19-save effort, and John Leonard exploded for a hat trick in a 3-0 win over the Milwaukee Admirals.
Leonard’s goals came in every situation - even strength, power play, and an empty-netter - giving him 25 goals in 28 games. If he keeps this up, it’s hard to imagine he won’t get a look in Detroit sooner rather than later.
Nate Danielson continues to impress, too. With two assists in the win, he now has 10 points in 10 games - a point-per-game pace that’s tough to ignore. William Wallinder and Ondrej Becher also chipped in helpers, showing the kind of depth the Griffins are working with.
And don’t overlook Carter Bear. The 2025 first-round pick had a breakout performance with two goals, eight shots, and a +2 rating in a 5-3 win. He’s showing flashes of the kind of impact player Detroit hopes he’ll become.
As for the NHL roster, there’s chatter around the league, but don’t expect the Red Wings to be front-runners for a big-name trade like Artemi Panarin - at least not yet. Injuries on the back end could open the door for Simon Edvinsson to make an Olympic push, and Patrick Kane is closing in on another milestone. The veteran continues to be a steadying force and a potential difference-maker down the stretch.
Bottom line: this Red Wings team is no longer just rebuilding - they’re contending. They’ve got the top-end talent, the divisional grit, and a farm system that’s knocking on the door. With the Atlantic Division shaping up to be a dogfight, Detroit’s showing they’re ready to throw some punches.