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Red Wings cap disastrous season with 8-1 loss in Florida
TL;DR
The Detroit Red Wings concluded their season with a dismal 8-1 loss to the Florida Panthers, marking their 10th consecutive year without a playoff appearance. The Panthers, despite their own struggles, dominated the game with a lineup mainly composed of minor leaguers.
Sunrise, Fla. - Not a pleasant way for the Red Wings to end this season.
Having been eliminated from playoff contention last weekend and seeing their playoff drought reach an NHL-high 10 consecutive years, the Wings put a stamp on the season Wednesday with a 8-1 loss to Florida.
Apr 15, 2026; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Carter Mazur (34) moves the puck against Florida Panthers defenseman Marek Alscher (4) during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers, who also will miss the playoffs after a litany of injuries (but only have one less victory than the Wings, 41-40), dressed a lineup predominately of their minor leaguers and blitzed the Wings from the start.
The Wings finished the season 41-31-10, with 92 points. They went 8-12-4 in their final 24 games, earning only 20 of 48 points, which set them tumbling from the top of the Eastern Conference standings - to out of the playoff picture.
Justin Faulk scored his 16th goal (fifth with the Wings) for the lone Wings' offense.
Goaltender John Gibson started and allowed four goals on 15 shots before being replaced by Cam Talbot midway in the game.
Mike Benning had the first two goals of his career, Luke Kunin had two goals and Vinnie Hinostroza, A.J. Greer (power play), Cole Schwindt and Cole Reinhardt added Panthers goals.
The Panthers scored four goals in a span of over seven minutes in the second period, turning a 1-0 game into a 5-0 blowout. Faulk stemmed the damage briefly, pinching from the point and beating goaltender Daniil Tarasvov.
@tkulfan
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Red Wings lose final NHL game of the season in Florida
Q&A
What was the final score of the Red Wings vs. Panthers game?
The final score was 8-1 in favor of the Florida Panthers.
How long has the Red Wings' playoff drought lasted?
The Red Wings have not made the playoffs for 10 consecutive years, which is the longest active drought in the NHL.
Why did the Florida Panthers have a lineup of minor leaguers against the Red Wings?
The Panthers dressed a lineup predominantly of minor leaguers due to a series of injuries affecting their regular players.
