Red Wings embarrassed by Panthers, 8-1, in fitting season finale
Detroit Red Wings score: It was an utter embarrassment for the Wings in the season finale, losing 8-1 to the Florida Panthers.
SUNRISE, FL — What a fitting end to a fitful season for the Detroit Red Wings , an embarrassment that should linger deep into the offseason. Down a handful of goals near the midpoint of their season finale, not even able to show competitiveness against a team fielding a lineup heavy on minor leaguers and hopefuls. A team that, like the Wings, is headed for tee times, not playoff games.
The Wings looked like a team not even trying to win, giving up five straight goals en route to an 8-1 humiliation at the hands of the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, April 15 at Amerant Bank Arena. It's the most goals the Wings have surrendered this season. The Wings lost their last three games, settling their record for 2025-26 at 41-31-20, with 92 points.
Since being 12 points above the playoff picture cutoff on Jan. 24, the Wings went 9-15-5, collecting just 23 points. More: Red Wings rookies about to experience playoff hockey − in Grand Rapids One, two, three, four, five Vinnie Hinostroza scored five minutes into the game, finishing Wilmer Skoog's feed along the boards and rifling a shot past John Gibson, that gave Skoog, 26, his first NHL career point in his third career game.
About five minutes into the second period, Luke Kunin picked up third goal of the season in 62 games. Next came A. J.