Jets Edge Red Wings in Close Contest
Sunday, October 4, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Little Caesars Arena
Winnipeg Jets 3, Detroit Red Wings 2, final. Our NHL picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Winnipeg Jets vs Detroit Red Wings?
Winnipeg Jets beat Detroit Red Wings 3-2 at Little Caesars Arena on October 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Winnipeg Jets vs Detroit Red Wings?
Winnipeg Jets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -118 (about 54% implied). The favorite won.
The Winnipeg Jets narrowly defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in a tightly contested matchup at Little Caesars Arena. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked the continuation of the Jets' lead in the season series, now at 2-0 against the Red Wings. The Jets came into this game with a record of 1-0-1, while the Red Wings were still searching for their first win of the season, holding a record of 0-2-0.
In terms of recent form, the Red Wings have struggled significantly, losing their last four games and winning only two out of their last ten, with an overall record of 2-8. Their scoring average has been a concern, as they have only managed to score an average of 2.6 goals per game while allowing 4.2. In contrast, the Jets, despite their own challenges, have a record of 4-6 over their last ten games, averaging 2.5 goals scored and allowing 3.9. However, they are currently on a five-game losing streak, which adds pressure to their performance.
At home, the Red Wings have a record of 1-4, while the Jets have performed better on the road with a 3-3 record. The conditions of the game at Little Caesars Arena were typical for early October hockey, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm as they navigate the early part of the season.
In terms of injuries, the Red Wings were significantly impacted, missing key players such as Marco Kasper and Dylan Larkin, both out with upper body injuries, as well as Simon Edvinsson due to a contract dispute. Chase Stillman and Carter Bear were also placed on injured reserve, further depleting the Red Wings' roster. The Jets faced their own challenges, with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck serving a suspension and several other players, including Garrett Brown and Walker Duehr, on injured reserve.
The scoring in the game began with Cole Perfetti opening the account for the Jets in the first period, followed by a second goal from Kyle Connor, who later added another in the second period to give Winnipeg a 3-0 lead. The Red Wings managed to respond with a goal from Viktor Arvidsson before Emmitt Finnie brought them within one in the third period, but they were unable to complete the comeback.
The betting odds from DraftKings reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the Jets listed at -118 and the Red Wings at -102 on the money line. The total for the game was set at 5.5, with odds of -122 for the over and 102 for the under. This indicates that the market anticipated a closely fought game, which was indeed the case, as the final score demonstrated.
Overall, this game showcased the resilience of the Jets despite their recent struggles, while the Red Wings continue to search for answers as they remain winless in the early season. Both teams will need to address their respective issues as they move forward in the league.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming NHL matchup features the Detroit Red Wings hosting the Winnipeg Jets at Little Caesars Arena on October 4, 2026. This game marks the start of the series between these two teams. The Red Wings enter this contest with a home record of 0-1-0, while the Jets have an away record of 0-0-1.
Detroit's recent form has been challenging, as they have lost their last four games. In their last five outings, they faced the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres, resulting in three losses and two wins. Specifically, they lost to the New York Rangers 2-0 in their most recent game on October 2, 2026. Over these last five games, the Red Wings scored an average of 2.6 goals per game while allowing 4.4 goals.
On the other hand, the Winnipeg Jets have also struggled, entering this game on a five-game losing streak. Their last five games included a loss to the Boston Bruins, where they fell 4-3 in overtime on October 3, 2026. The Jets' recent performance has seen them score an average of 2.0 goals per game while allowing 5.6 goals, indicating significant defensive issues.
When looking at home versus away performance, the Red Wings have a home record of 1-4 in their last five games, with an average of 2.6 goals scored and 4.2 goals allowed. Conversely, the Jets have gone 3-3 in their last six away games, though their recent form suggests difficulties, as they are currently on a five-game losing streak.
In terms of previous meetings, the Red Wings have won the last two encounters against the Jets, with a record of 2-0 in their last two matchups. The most recent game took place on January 25, 2026, where Detroit won decisively 5-1. In another meeting on December 31, 2025, the Red Wings secured a 2-1 victory at home.
Injury concerns are significant for both teams. The Red Wings will be without Marco Kasper, Simon Edvinsson, and Carter Bear due to upper body injuries, while Dylan Larkin and Chase Stillman are on injured reserve. For the Jets, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is on injured reserve due to suspension, and they are also missing Garrett Brown, Walker Duehr, and Elias Salomonsson due to various injuries.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has priced the Jets at -118 on the money line, with the Red Wings at -102. The spread is set at 1.5, with a total of 5.5 goals for the game. The odds for the over are -122, while the under sits at 102.
Conditions for the game are expected to be typical for early October in Detroit, which could play a role in the players' performance. Fans should watch for the Red Wings' offensive strategy, particularly how they adapt without key players, and whether the Jets can find a way to break their losing streak and improve their defensive play.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WPG -118 | 5.5 o -122 / u +102 | Winnipeg Jets -118 · Detroit Red Wings -102 |
Injury report
- Marco KasperOutUpper BodyDetroit Red Wings
- Dylan LarkinInjured ReserveUpper BodyDetroit Red Wings
- Simon EdvinssonOutContract DisputeDetroit Red Wings
- Chase StillmanInjured ReserveUndisclosedDetroit Red Wings
- Carter BearInjured ReserveUpper BodyDetroit Red Wings
- Connor HellebuyckInjured ReserveSuspensionWinnipeg Jets
- Garrett BrownInjured ReserveLower BodyWinnipeg Jets
- Walker DuehrInjured ReserveLower BodyWinnipeg Jets
- Elias SalomonssonInjured ReserveShoulderWinnipeg Jets
Leaders
- GoalsEmmitt Finnie1Detroit Red Wings
- AssistsAlex DeBrincat1Detroit Red Wings
- PointsViktor Arvidsson1Detroit Red Wings
- GoalsKyle Connor2Winnipeg Jets
- AssistsCole Perfetti2Winnipeg Jets
- PointsKyle Connor3Winnipeg Jets
Recent form
Detroit Red Wings
Last 10: 2-8Streak L42.6 scored · 4.2 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L0-2vs New York RangersOct 2
- L1-8at Florida PanthersApr 15
- L3-4at Tampa Bay LightningApr 13
- L3-5vs New Jersey DevilsApr 11
- W6-3vs Philadelphia FlyersApr 9
- L3-4vs Columbus Blue JacketsApr 7
- L4-5vs Minnesota WildApr 5
- L1-4at New York RangersApr 4
- W4-2at Philadelphia FlyersApr 2
- L1-5at Pittsburgh PenguinsMar 31
Winnipeg Jets
Last 10: 4-6Streak L52.5 scored · 3.9 allowed per game3-3 away
- L3-4vs Boston BruinsOct 3
- L1-6vs San Jose SharksApr 17
- L3-5at Utah MammothApr 15
- L2-6at Vegas Golden KnightsApr 14
- L1-7vs Philadelphia FlyersApr 11
- W3-2at St. Louis BluesApr 10
- W6-2vs Seattle KrakenApr 6
- W2-1at Columbus Blue JacketsApr 4
- L0-3at Dallas StarsApr 3
- W4-3at Chicago BlackhawksApr 1
Standings
| Team | Ot losses | Lost | Points | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| Colorado | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| Minnesota | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| Winnipeg | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| St. Louis | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Nashville | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Dallas | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Chicago | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Boston | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Montreal | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Florida | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Ottawa | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Buffalo | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Tampa Bay | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Toronto | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Detroit | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Winnipeg Jets | Detroit Red Wings |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked shots | 15 | 11 |
| Hits | 20 | 25 |
| Takeaways | 2 | 2 |
| Shots total | 27 | 35 |
| Power play goals | 3 | 1 |
| Power play opportunities | 4 | 5 |
| Power play pct | 75.0 | 20.0 |
| Short handed goals | 0 | 0 |
| Shootout goals | 0 | 0 |
| Faceoffs won | 21 | 33 |
| Faceoff percent | 38.9 | 61.1 |
| Giveaways | 19 | 10 |
| Penalties | 6 | 5 |
| Penalty minutes | 15 | 13 |
How the scoring went
- 1st1-0Cole Perfetti Goal (1) Deflected, assists: Kyle Connor (2), Josh Morrissey (1)
- 1st2-0Kyle Connor Goal (2) Backhand, assists: Gabriel Vilardi (2), Cole Perfetti (2)
- 2nd3-0Kyle Connor Goal (3) Snap Shot, assists: Josh Morrissey (2), Cole Perfetti (3)
- 2nd3-1Viktor Arvidsson Goal (1) Deflected, assists: Andrew Copp (1), Moritz Seider (1)
- 3rd3-2Emmitt Finnie Goal (1) Wrist Shot, assists: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (1), Alex DeBrincat (1)
Venue
- Little Caesars ArenaDetroit, MI
- Attendance17426
- OfficialsRyan Gibbons, Gord Dwyer, Corey Syvret, Brandon Grillo
Elsewhere
- Kyle Connor scores a pair of power-play goals as Jets squeak past Red Wings 3-2
- Winnipeg Jets vs. Detroit Red Wings: Game Highlights
- NHL Tonight: Mammoth, Rangers square off in key interconference matchup
- Utah visits New York after Schmaltz's 2-goal game
- Senators visit the Bruins in Atlantic Division action
- Sharks in action against the Stars after overtime victory
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