By The Canadian Press

Hot Red Wings focused on building for stretch run in tight Eastern Conference

Jan 11, 2026 | 3:00 AM

MONTREAL — Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin didn’t want to put too much emphasis on a regular-season win coming in the month of January.

Nevertheless, Larkin admits his team’s 4-0 win over the Canadiens on Saturday at Bell Centre, which allowed his team to overtake Montreal atop the Atlantic Division standings, may prove particularly important come April.

“I’ve been a part of teams where it comes down to a point or two at the end of the season,” said Larkin, “Especially with how tight the whole Eastern Conference is right now, every win, especially divisional wins, are important.

“Bank as many points as you can. Who knows what the magic number is with how the East is this year.”

The 36-year-old James van Riemsdyk has also been involved in his fair share of close playoff races that came down to the wire.

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Van Riemsdyk’s 2009-10 rookie season with the Philadelphia Flyers notably ended in a do-or-die nail-biting shootout against the New York Rangers, which the Flyers had to win to clinch a playoff spot. Philadelphia not only won the pivotal game, but would continue on all the way to the Stanley Cup final, where they lost in six games to the Chicago Blackhawks.

“Games like this are fun to play when you’re right in the mix there with everything that is at stake each and every night,” said van Riemsdyk. “Another good test for us tonight and, obviously, we just got to keep building and keep moving forward.”

Saturday’s win also felt extra special for the visiting Red Wings given their lacklustre showing during the team’s first meeting of the season with the Canadiens. Montreal handily defeated Detroit 5-1 in the home opener of their centennial season on Oct. 9.

“That was a game where we didn’t come out,” said Larkin. “What they (Montreal) have that is really dangerous is their speed, skill and offensive firepower. It was on display opening night, but tonight we kept it at bay for the most part.”

John Gibson, making his debut with Detroit in that opening night matchup, allowed five goals on 13 shots. He was ultimately relieved late in the second period by Cam Talbot.

His captain was happy to see his goalie rebound in the form of a 27-save shutout against Montreal on Saturday, his first career clean sheet against the Canadiens.

“Gibson was unbelievable,” added Larkin. “He’s been rock solid for us. When things weren’t going well for him early, he stuck with it. When he’s in net, he gives us a huge confidence boost.”

The Canadiens also sang Gibson’s praises post-game, while also lamenting their own lack of execution.

“We missed chances ourselves,” said Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, who skated in his 500th career game Saturday. “Gibson made some good saves for them, but I think we didn’t execute to get it behind him.”

Montreal head coach Martin St. Louis agreed with his centreman.

“We had a lot of ‘almost’ chances. We lacked finish and execution in the dangerous areas a bit. You have to give credit to their goalie, he played really well.”

KAIDEN GUHLE WELCOMED BACK

The Canadiens welcomed Kaiden Guhle back into their lineup Saturday. The 23-year-old had missed Montreal’s last 39 games after partially tearing an adductor muscle on Oct. 16, which required surgery in November.

The Edmonton, Alta., native played 18:13, skating on the left side of Montreal’s third defence pair alongside Arber Xhekaj.

“On a personal level, I thought I was fine,” said Guhle. “I kind of did what I had to do. I tried to keep it pretty simple, for the most part; play hard, have a good stick. I felt like I did that. Obviously, there’s still things to clean up.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 11, 2026.

Jordan Stoopler, The Canadian Press