Detroit Red Wings
Hockeytown's Original Six legacy.
The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The franchise is one of the "Original Six" teams, the first six teams of the league. Founded in 1926, the team was known as the Detroit Cougars until 1930. For the next two seasons, the team was named the Detroit Falcons, before changing their name to the Red Wings in 1932.
- First Meeting Era
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- Primary Period of Intensity
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- Combined Stanley Cups
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- Key Historical Figure (MTL)
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- Key Historical Figure (DET)
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Lore & Background
The Red Wings have won the most Stanley Cup championships of any NHL franchise based in the United States (11), and are third overall amongst active teams in total Stanley Cup championships, behind the Montreal Canadiens (24) and Toronto Maple Leafs (13). The Wings played their home games at Joe Louis Arena from 1979 until 2017, after playing for 52 years at Olympia Stadium. They moved into Little Caesars Arena beginning with the 2017–18 season. The Red Wings are one of the most popular and successful franchises in the NHL; fans and sports commentators refer to the Detroit area as "Hockeytown", which has been a registered trademark owned by the franchise since 1996.
In Their Own Story
The European tour featured specific turning points and dramatic moments across nine games. In Brighton on April 23, a 5–5 tie followed two fights (Marty Barry vs. Red Goupille; Toe Blake vs. Peter Bessone) after Johnny Gagnon scored three goals for Montreal. Paris hosted three intense matches: a 10–8 Detroit win on April 25 (Hec Kilrea and Gagnon each with three goals), a 4–3 comeback victory for Detroit on April 27, and a 7–5 Montreal win on April 29. The series resumed in London on May 5 with a 6–3 Montreal victory featuring two more fights and Hec Kilrea arguing with a referee. On May 7 in Brighton, Detroit won their largest margin of the tour (10–5) thanks to Doug Young, Carl Liscombe, and Mud Bruneteau scoring twice each. The final games saw Montreal win 5–4 on May 10 at Earls Court after Jack Adams pulled his goalie Normie Smith for an extra attacker too late, followed by a 5–2 Detroit victory in Brighton on May 14. After the tour, coaches praised the experience, noting they turned away 3,000–4,000 fans at the last game despite minimal publicity.
Reader's Guide
Between the 1931–32 and 1965–66 seasons, the Red Wings missed the playoffs only four times. They struggled between the 1966–67 and 1982–83 seasons, only making the playoffs twice in that stretch. After that, however, from 1983–84 to 2015–16, they made the playoffs 30 times in 32 seasons, including 25 straight from 1990–91 to 2015–16 (not including the canceled 2004–05 season); in 2006, this became the longest active streak of postseason appearances in all of North American professional sports and finished tied for the third-longest streak in NHL history. Since 1983–84, the Red Wings have tallied six regular season first-place finishes and have won the Stanley Cup four times (1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008). However, since the end of the playoff streak in 2016, the Red Wings have failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of the past ten seasons, which currently stands as the longest active drought in the league.
Did You Know?
- The franchise was originally named the Detroit Cougars (1926–1930), then the Detroit Falcons (1930–1932), before becoming the Red Wings in 1932.
- The Red Wings have won 11 Stanley Cup championships, the most of any U.S.-based NHL franchise.
- The team played at Olympia Stadium for 52 years before moving to Joe Louis Arena in 1979, then to Little Caesars Arena in 2017.
- The Red Wings had a 25-season playoff streak from 1990–91 to 2015–16, the third-longest in NHL history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Detroit Red Wings in relation to the Montreal Canadiens?
The Detroit Red Wings are one of hockey's most storied franchises and the Canadiens' primary long-term rival, representing Michigan's industrial strength against Quebec's French-Canadian heritage. Together, these two Original Six teams have won a combined 35 Stanley Cup championships throughout their nearly century-long history.
When did the rivalry between Montreal and Detroit begin?
This historic matchup predates the official 'Original Six' era, with the first meeting occurring during the 1926–27 season. The intensity of the competition truly peaked from the 1930s through the 1960s as both clubs dominated the league.
Why is this rivalry considered so important in hockey history?
It stands as a benchmark for longevity and cultural friction, pitting two of the most successful franchises in North American sports against each other. Their combined legacy includes 35 championships, with Montreal holding 24 titles and Detroit securing 11.
Which legendary players defined this rivalry?
The Canadiens were led by icons like Jean Béliveau and Guy Lafleur, while Detroit relied on the power of Gordie Howe and the goaltending of Terry Sawchuk. These stars elevated the competition into a defining chapter for both organizations during their peak decades.
How does the story of this rivalry conclude?
There is no final ending to this saga, as it remains an active and celebrated fixture in professional hockey today. While the teams are now revered as historical pillars, they continue to compete whenever their schedules align, keeping the legacy alive for new generations.
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