Alex DeBrincat’s late equalizer and Lucas Raymond’s shootout winner help Detroit extend its point streak before a challenging road trip.
DETROIT, Mich. | October 19, 2026
The Detroit Red Wings demonstrated the kind of resilience that can make a difference over an 82-game NHL season Saturday night, overcoming a two-goal third-period deficit to defeat the San Jose Sharks 4–3 in a shootout at Little Caesars Arena.
Alex DeBrincat delivered the dramatic equalizer with just 1:33 remaining in regulation, while Lucas Raymond scored the deciding shootout goal to complete Detroit’s comeback.
The victory improved the Red Wings to 3–3–2 and extended their point streak to four games, providing some much-needed momentum before the team begins a road trip.
Although Detroit’s early-season record remains uneven, the comeback offered encouraging signs of determination, offensive depth and an ability to respond under pressure.
Detroit Battles Through Early Adversity
The Red Wings opened the scoring midway through the first period when veteran defenseman Justin Faulk converted a power-play opportunity.
San Jose responded before the intermission, with Dmitry Orlov scoring on the power play to tie the contest.
The Sharks took their first lead early in the second period when Macklin Celebrini finished a passing sequence involving Will Smith and Michael Kesselring.
Celebrini, one of the NHL’s most promising young offensive talents, presented problems for Detroit throughout the evening.
San Jose extended its advantage to 3–1 early in the third period when Ivar Stenberg converted another power-play opportunity.
With less than 18 minutes remaining, Detroit faced a two-goal deficit against an opponent that had already demonstrated its ability to capitalize on special teams.
The Red Wings needed a response, and they found one quickly.
Young Players Help Spark the Comeback
Emmitt Finnie brought Detroit within one goal at the five-minute mark of the third period.
The young forward finished a rush after receiving a pass from Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, giving the Red Wings renewed life.
Finnie finished with a goal and an assist, continuing to demonstrate his potential as an emerging contributor.
His production was particularly important because Detroit needed offensive support beyond its established scoring leaders.
Developing reliable secondary scoring will be essential if the Red Wings hope to compete consistently throughout the season.
The goal also changed the atmosphere of the contest, placing renewed pressure on San Jose to protect its narrowing advantage.
DeBrincat Delivers When Detroit Needs Him
As regulation entered its final minutes, Detroit remained behind 3–2.
Head coach Todd McLellan pulled goaltender John Gibson for an additional attacker, giving the Red Wings one final opportunity to extend the game.
DeBrincat capitalized.
Working near the San Jose net, the Michigan native collected his own rebound and scored with 93 seconds remaining.
The goal was DeBrincat’s fifth of the season and provided another example of his value as a dependable offensive threat.
His ability to find scoring opportunities in crowded areas has made him particularly dangerous when Detroit needs a goal.
The equalizer sent the game into overtime and completed a two-goal third-period comeback.
For Detroit, the sequence represented more than a dramatic moment. It showed that the team could maintain offensive pressure despite facing a difficult situation late in regulation.
Seider and Gibson Help Finish the Job
Detroit still had work to do in overtime.
Andrew Copp was assessed a holding penalty, giving San Jose a four-on-three power play.
The Red Wings successfully killed the penalty, with defenseman Moritz Seider playing an important role in protecting the tie.
Seider logged nearly 30 minutes of ice time during the game, continuing to handle substantial defensive responsibilities.
Gibson also delivered an important performance, finishing with 31 saves.
His work helped Detroit remain within striking distance despite San Jose generating 34 shots on goal.
The game eventually moved to a shootout, where Raymond supplied the decisive goal.
Raymond’s conversion was Detroit’s only successful shootout attempt, but it was enough to secure the additional standings point.
Encouraging Signs, but Questions Remain
The victory gave Detroit consecutive wins after its October 15 triumph over Philadelphia.
More importantly, the Red Wings collected points in four consecutive games, a meaningful improvement following an inconsistent start.
However, Saturday’s comeback should not obscure the areas requiring attention.
San Jose scored twice on six power-play opportunities, demonstrating that Detroit’s penalty killing remains vulnerable.
The Sharks also generated more shots than the Red Wings, suggesting Detroit must improve its ability to control possession and limit dangerous opportunities.
A strong comeback is encouraging, but consistently falling behind is not a sustainable formula for success.
For the Red Wings, the challenge will be turning the determination displayed against San Jose into more complete performances.
Road Trip Offers the Next Test
Detroit’s next challenge comes Tuesday, October 20, when the Red Wings visit the Seattle Kraken.
The matchup begins a stretch in which Detroit must translate its recent home-ice momentum into results away from Little Caesars Arena.
The team has shown that it can respond to adversity. Now it must demonstrate that it can establish control earlier in games and protect leads more effectively.
For a franchise working to return to consistent playoff contention, those improvements will be critical.
Saturday’s victory did not solve every problem facing Detroit.
It did, however, provide an important reminder that this Red Wings team has the offensive talent, developing young players and determination necessary to compete when circumstances become difficult.
