Detroit Red Wings 6, Ducks 3: Breakthrough performance and special teams spark win on Nov. 13, 2025

The Detroit Red Wings ended their three-game losing streak with a 6-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, Nov. 13. After struggling against the same Ducks team just two weeks earlier in California, Detroit found their offensive rhythm and capitalized on special teams opportunities to secure a much-needed win. Alex DeBrincat led the charge with two goals and an assist, while Patrick Kane reached a career milestone with an assist that brought him to 1,350 career points.

The back-and-forth contest showcased the resilience of a Detroit team that refused to let momentum shifts derail their pursuit of victory. Despite facing an Anaheim squad riding an 11-game winning streak coming into the matchup, the Red Wings demonstrated composure and offensive firepower when it mattered most. The win improved Detroit’s record to 10-7-0 and provided a confidence boost heading into their weekend matchup against the Buffalo Sabres.

Breakthrough performance powers Detroit in the Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks 6-3 game recap

Alex DeBrincat’s two-goal, one-assist performance highlighted a night where the Red Wings’ offensive core finally found their scoring touch. His first goal came just five seconds into a third-period power play, deflecting Moritz Seider’s shot past goaltender Lukas Dostal to give Detroit a crucial two-goal cushion at 4-2. The quick strike energized the home crowd and showcased the type of special teams execution that had eluded the Wings during their recent slide.

DeBrincat sealed the victory with an empty-net goal with 2:01 remaining, his second tally of the night putting an exclamation point on Detroit’s dominant offensive display. The veteran winger’s ability to find soft spots in the offensive zone and capitalize on deflections proved instrumental in breaking down an Anaheim defense that had been stingy throughout their winning streak.

Patrick Kane’s contributions extended beyond the scoresheet statistics, as his veteran presence and playmaking ability set up key scoring chances throughout the game. His assists on both Seider’s first-period power play goal and DeBrincat’s third-period strike not only helped secure the victory but also marked a personal milestone, reaching 1,350 career points. The Hockey Hall of Fame-bound forward continues to demonstrate why Detroit brought him aboard, providing leadership and clutch performances when the team needs them most.

Jonatan Berggren’s two-assist performance in the first two periods showcased the depth scoring that had been missing during Detroit’s recent struggles. His ability to create opportunities off the rush and distribute the puck effectively gave the Wings multiple offensive threats beyond their top line.

Special teams resurgence in the Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks 6-3 game recap

The Red Wings’ power play finally showed signs of life after an extended drought that had seen them convert just once in their previous 21 opportunities. Moritz Seider’s goal 5:57 into the second period, which deflected off Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe, broke through a barrier that had frustrated Detroit for nearly three full games dating back to their October 31 meeting with Anaheim.

That power play success proved contagious, as DeBrincat’s quick-strike goal to open the third period demonstrated newfound confidence with the man advantage. The ability to capitalize on two power play opportunities in one game represented a significant step forward for a unit that had struggled mightily in recent contests. The Detroit coaching staff had emphasized getting more traffic in front of the net and shooting with traffic, strategies that paid immediate dividends against an Anaheim penalty kill that had been among the league’s better units.

The improved special teams execution extended beyond just the power play, as Detroit’s penalty kill remained disciplined and structured throughout the contest. Despite Anaheim’s potent offensive weapons, the Red Wings limited quality chances during shorthanded situations and cleared the defensive zone efficiently. This two-way special teams improvement provided the foundation for Detroit’s overall victory.

The coaching adjustments made between the first Anaheim meeting and this rematch clearly resonated with the players. Detroit’s willingness to shoot pucks through traffic and create second-chance opportunities represented a more aggressive offensive approach that yielded results against both Gibson and his replacement, Cam Talbot.

Middle-frame momentum swings define the Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks 6-3 game recap

The second period featured a remarkable display of offensive firepower from both teams, with five goals scored in a frenetic 20-minute span. After Seider’s power play goal opened the scoring at the 5:57 mark, the Ducks responded quickly with Cutter Gauthier’s tally just 1:38 later. The rapid-fire exchange set the tone for a period that would see teams trade goals and momentum shifts throughout.

Michael Rasmussen, who had managed just one goal prior to this contest—an empty-netter—broke through at 12:42 of the second period with a wrist shot that beat Dostal cleanly. The goal represented a significant confidence boost for a player who had been searching for his offensive game, as he received a perfect stretch pass from Andrew Copp and didn’t hesitate to release a quick shot. Rasmussen’s willingness to shoot rather than look for a pass exemplified the more aggressive offensive mentality Detroit adopted for this rematch.

Chris Kreider’s response for Anaheim two minutes later, finishing off a rush led by Jackson LaCombe, demonstrated the Ducks’ own offensive capabilities and resilience. The goal tied the game at 2-2 and threatened to swing momentum back in Anaheim’s favor, setting up a critical final five minutes of the period where Detroit needed to respond.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka provided that crucial answer at 15:33, firing a shot through traffic from the blue line that deflected off Dostal’s stick and into the net. The young defenseman’s poise under pressure and willingness to get pucks to the net exemplified the offensive-minded approach from Detroit’s blue line. The goal gave Detroit a 3-2 lead heading into the third period and provided momentum that would prove decisive in the final frame, similar to how the Red Wings have shown resilience in recent games.

Goaltending situation and third-period drama in the Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks 6-3 game recap

An unusual goaltending situation developed late in the second period when John Gibson appeared to get knocked over and was slow to rise from the ice. The veteran netminder, who had made 15 saves on 17 shots through the first two periods, did not return for the third period and was replaced by Cam Talbot. The substitution injected uncertainty into the proceedings, as teams often struggle to adjust mid-game to a different goaltender’s tendencies and positioning.

Talbot settled in quickly, making several key saves early in the third period to preserve Detroit’s one-goal advantage. However, the goaltending change seemed to energize Anaheim briefly, as they pressed for an equalizer and generated quality scoring chances. Talbot’s 10 saves on 11 shots faced demonstrated solid backup netminding, though he couldn’t prevent Mikael Granlund’s deflection goal that cut Detroit’s lead to 4-3 midway through the final frame.

Dylan Larkin’s response to Granlund’s goal proved decisive, as the Detroit captain scored just 38 seconds later on a two-on-one break with Lucas Raymond. The quick answer prevented Anaheim from building momentum and effectively sealed the victory for the home team. Larkin’s leadership and clutch scoring ability shone through in a critical moment when the Ducks threatened to complete a comeback.

For Anaheim, Lukas Dostal faced heavy traffic throughout the night and finished with 27 saves on 32 shots. Despite the loss, the young goaltender made several spectacular stops that kept the Ducks within striking distance. The defeat snapped Anaheim’s impressive 11-game winning streak and dropped their record to 11-5-1, though they remained one of the NHL’s hottest teams entering the contest.

Physical play and intensity marks the Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks 6-3 game recap

The opening period set a physical tone that persisted throughout the contest, with both teams engaging in numerous post-whistle scrums and battles along the boards. Despite neither team finding the back of the net in the first 20 minutes, the physicality and pace suggested an eventual goal-scoring explosion was inevitable. Both Gibson and Dostal faced 10 shots apiece in the opening frame, with several high-danger chances that required premium saves.

Detroit’s forechecking intensity increased noticeably from their previous meeting with Anaheim, as forwards committed to pursuing pucks deep in the offensive zone and finishing checks along the boards. This aggressive approach created turnovers and prevented the Ducks from establishing clean breakouts, forcing Anaheim to make quick decisions under pressure. The physical commitment from Detroit’s forward group set the tone for their eventual offensive breakthrough.

The pace of play remained high throughout all three periods, with both teams transitioning quickly from defense to offense and generating odd-man rushes. Detroit’s ability to match Anaheim’s speed while maintaining defensive structure proved crucial, as the Wings avoided the type of defensive breakdowns that had plagued them during their three-game skid. The lesson learned from previous losses clearly influenced Detroit’s approach to this rematch, as seen in their recent performances throughout October.

The physical nature of the contest resulted in several power play opportunities for both teams, though Detroit capitalized more effectively on their chances. The willingness of both squads to play a hard-nosed, playoff-style game in mid-November demonstrated the competitive intensity and pride both organizations brought to this matchup.

Looking ahead after the Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks 6-3 game recap

The victory provides Detroit with crucial momentum as they prepare to face the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night. Breaking the three-game losing streak while simultaneously finding success on the power play addresses two major concerns that had developed during the recent slide. The coaching staff can build upon the aggressive offensive approach and traffic-generation tactics that proved effective against Anaheim’s goaltenders.

Individual performances from DeBrincat, Kane, and the young defensive corps suggest that Detroit’s talent level remains capable of competing with the league’s better teams when they execute properly. The key for the Red Wings moving forward will be maintaining the offensive intensity and special teams execution that characterized this victory. Consistency has plagued Detroit throughout the early portion of the season, making back-to-back wins essential for establishing positive momentum.

For Anaheim, the loss ends a remarkable winning streak but shouldn’t diminish the impressive run they compiled over the past month. The Ducks’ young core continues to develop, and despite the setback, they remain one of the NHL’s surprise stories through the season’s first quarter. Their ability to respond to adversity will be tested as they head to Minnesota to face the Wild on Saturday night.

Detroit’s performance in this contest demonstrated the type of complete effort required to compete in the highly competitive Atlantic Division. The combination of special teams success, timely scoring, and solid goaltending provides a blueprint for future victories. As the season progresses, Detroit must build upon nights like this while learning from the mistakes that characterized their recent struggles. The improved 10-7-0 record keeps them in playoff contention, but sustained success requires the consistency and execution they displayed against the Ducks. With key divisional matchups looming on the schedule, this victory could prove to be a turning point in Detroit’s season if they maintain the aggressive mindset and offensive confidence that propelled them to victory on this Thursday night.