The Red Wings reached the 20-game mark in first place in the Atlantic Division. But does the record match the reality?

This week on Red Wings Rant, we break down:

• The Wings’ best shutdown third period of the season • Todd McLellan’s message on game management — and why it matters • How Detroit blew a 4–1 lead, then responded with back-to-back wins • Why the stars (Larkin, DeBrincat, Raymond, Seider) are carrying this team • The rookies bounce back: Danielson, Finnie, ASP • Cam Talbot taking the starting job by force • John Gibson’s struggles and what it means for the season • Whether Detroit’s early success is sustainable

Plus: how the Wings compare across the NHL at the 20-game benchmark — and what comes next.

 Red Wings Rant: Where tirades and impassioned pleas about your Detroit Red Wings finally have a home. 

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Red Wings Rant — Episode Narrative (Nov 19)

“20 Games In: First Place… and Still Flawed?”

The Detroit Red Wings reached the 20-game mark in first place in the Atlantic Division — a sentence that would’ve sounded insane seven days ago, when this team was stuck in the mud, blowing leads, and wrestling with its identity.

And the wildest part?
Both versions of the Red Wings — the playoff version, and the meltdown version — showed up this week.

Last Week: A Test of Consistency

We said:

If the Wings could take advantage of a soft stretch — Ducks, Sabres, Rangers, Kraken — they could claw back into a strong position.

One week later?
They did exactly that.

They handled Anaheim,
threw away a 4–1 lead vs Buffalo but still got a point,
gutted out a win at MSG,
and closed out the Kraken with a mature, structured third period — something they haven’t done most of the season.