Detroit Red Wings Show Offensive Potential Throughout 2026 Preseason
The Detroit Red Wings closed out their 2026 preseason with two wins in four games, showing flashes of offensive firepower, resilience and late-game execution ahead of the 2026–27 NHL regular season.
Detroit opened its preseason schedule September 21 against the Columbus Blue Jackets in a tightly contested matchup that remained scoreless through regulation and overtime. The Red Wings ultimately fell in the shootout, with Conor Garland scoring the deciding goal for Columbus in a 1–0 result. Despite the loss, the opener provided a competitive start to the preseason, with both teams keeping the game close throughout.
The following night, Detroit found its offensive rhythm against the Pittsburgh Penguins, earning a 7–4 victory. After trading goals in the opening period, the Red Wings broke the game open with a productive second period and continued to build their lead in the third.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård scored twice, including a power-play goal, while Mason Appleton, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Ondrej Becher, Wilmer Skoog and Jesse Kiiskinen also found the back of the net. Defenseman Anton Johansson delivered an impressive performance, recording four assists to lead the team in points. The seven-goal outing showcased Detroit’s ability to generate offense from multiple areas of the lineup.
Detroit carried that momentum into its September 24 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, earning a 3–2 overtime win. After Buffalo took the lead twice, Sandin-Pellikka tied the game with a power-play goal in the first period, and Sheldon Dries brought Detroit even again in the third. Alex DeBrincat then sealed the victory just 33 seconds into overtime, converting on the power play off assists from Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider.
The Red Wings closed out their preseason September 26 with a rematch against Columbus. The Blue Jackets built a three-goal lead before Ben Chiarot got Detroit on the board early in the third period. Michael Rasmussen added another goal later in the frame, cutting the deficit to one and giving the Red Wings an opportunity to push for the equalizer. Columbus ultimately secured the 4–2 win with an empty-net goal.
Detroit finished the game with 33 shots on goal, demonstrating its ability to generate opportunities even while trailing. Chiarot contributed a goal and an assist, while Marco Kasper recorded two assists.
Across four games, the Red Wings scored 12 goals, with contributions from young prospects, returning veterans and players competing for roster spots. Brandsegg-Nygård’s two-goal performance, Johansson’s four-assist night and DeBrincat’s overtime winner highlighted an encouraging stretch of preseason hockey.
While preseason results offer only a snapshot of a team’s potential, Detroit’s four games provided valuable opportunities to evaluate combinations, build chemistry and prepare for the challenges ahead. With the exhibition schedule complete, the Red Wings turned their attention to the regular season and the opportunity to carry those competitive performances forward.