Columbus Blue Jackets Edge Red Wings in Shootout Thriller

In a closely contested matchup, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in a shootout at Little Caesars Arena on April 7, 2026. This victory allowed the Blue Jackets to win the season series against the Red Wings 2-1, showcasing their ability to perform in tight situations.

Entering the game, the Red Wings had a home record of 40-29-9, while the Blue Jackets posted a slightly lower away record of 39-27-12. The Red Wings had struggled in their recent outings, going 4-6 in their last ten games, with an average of 3.0 goals scored and 3.3 goals allowed per game. They were on a two-game losing streak, having lost their last match against the Minnesota Wild 4-5. In contrast, the Blue Jackets were on a six-game losing streak, with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games, averaging 2.4 goals scored and 2.9 goals allowed. Their last game ended in a 1-2 loss against the Winnipeg Jets.

The injury situation for both teams was significant. The Red Wings were missing Viktor Arvidsson (ribs), Mason Appleton (upper body), and Michael Rasmussen (lower body), which impacted their depth and offensive capabilities. The Blue Jackets were also without key players, including goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (shoulder) and Isac Lundestrom (Achilles), further complicating their lineup.

The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with DraftKings listing the odds at -110 for both teams on the money line. The spread was set at -1.5, with a total of 5.5 goals for the game. The odds for the over were -135, while the under was at 114.

The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams displaying resilience. The Red Wings initially took a 2-1 lead in the second period, but the Blue Jackets equalized with a goal from Zach Werenski, assisted by Denton Mateychuk and Jet Greaves. In the third period, the Red Wings regained the lead with a goal from Justin Faulk, only for Adam Fantilli to tie the game once more for Columbus.

The shootout proved to be the deciding factor, with Kent Johnson scoring the first goal for Columbus. Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat, and Zach Werenski also found the net during the shootout, sealing the victory for the Blue Jackets. The Red Wings managed to score twice in the shootout, but it was not enough to overcome Columbus's strong performance.

Overall, the match highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Blue Jackets showing determination to break their losing streak and the Red Wings continuing to battle despite their recent struggles. Fans witnessed a thrilling contest that showcased the ups and downs of NHL hockey.