If you’re scrambling to figure out what time is the detroit red wings game tonight, you’ve got a little bit of breathing room—but not much. The puck drops at 5:00 PM EST today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
It's a home game at Little Caesars Arena, which means the atmosphere in Midtown is going to be electric. The Wings are hosting the Ottawa Senators in a matchup that’s actually pretty huge for the Atlantic Division standings right now. Detroit is currently sitting at 29-16-4, while Ottawa is hovering around 22-19-6.
Honestly, it’s one of those classic "four-point games" that everyone talks about because both teams are fighting for that playoff positioning.
Where to Watch the Wings Tonight
Unless you’re lucky enough to have tickets to be there in person, you’re probably looking for the right channel. Locally, the game is airing on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (formerly Bally Sports).
If you're out of the market, don't worry. You can stream it on ESPN+ or catch it via NHL Power Play. For the radio crowd, Ken Kal and Paul Woods will be on the call on 97.1 The Ticket, as usual.
Basically, here is the quick breakdown of the essentials:
- Matchup: Ottawa Senators vs. Detroit Red Wings
- Puck Drop: 5:00 PM EST
- Venue: Little Caesars Arena (LCA)
- Local TV: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
- Out-of-Market Stream: ESPN+ / NHL Power Play
- Radio: 97.1 FM (The Ticket)
Why This Matchup Matters So Much
The Red Wings are currently riding a three-game home winning streak. That's a big deal. Winning at home is what separates the playoff contenders from the pretenders, and Derek Lalonde’s squad has been lockdown at LCA lately.
One of the coolest subplots tonight? Alex DeBrincat.
Every time he plays Ottawa, there’s that extra bit of juice because of his history there. He's been on a tear lately, and with Lucas Raymond leading the team in points (52 right now), the top line is looking dangerous. Plus, we just found out that Captain Dylan Larkin made the Team USA roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. You know he's going to be playing with a chip on his shoulder tonight to prove he belongs in that elite group.
Key Stats and What to Watch For
Ottawa isn’t a pushover. Tim Stützle is having a monster year with 49 points, and Brady Tkachuk is, well, being Brady Tkachuk—annoying to play against and incredibly productive.
Detroit's goaltending has been the real story lately. John Gibson has been solid with a .903 save percentage, and Cam Talbot has been a reliable veteran presence when needed. Tonight, it looks like Detroit might lean on Gibson to keep that home streak alive.
The betting lines have the Red Wings as -137 favorites, with the over/under set at 6.5. If you follow the trends, both these teams can score, but Detroit's defensive structure has tightened up significantly since the New Year.
If You’re Heading to the Arena
If you actually have tickets, remember the bag policy. LCA is strict. No bags larger than 4" x 6" x 1.5" unless it's a medical or diaper bag. I’ve seen people get turned away at the gate for having a slightly oversized purse, and it’s a total buzzkill.
Also, since it's a 5:00 PM start, the traffic around the District Detroit is going to be a mess starting around 3:30 PM. Plan accordingly. Parking in the UWM Garage or the Little Caesars Arena Garage is convenient but pricey—usually around $40-$50 for a game like this.
Upcoming Schedule for the Wings
After tonight, the Red Wings hit the road for a tough stretch.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: At Toronto Maple Leafs (7:00 PM EST on TNT)
- Thursday, Jan 22: At Minnesota Wild (9:30 PM EST on ESPN)
- Saturday, Jan 24: At Winnipeg Jets (7:00 PM EST on FDSN)
They don't return home until January 27th to face the Kings. This makes tonight’s game against Ottawa even more critical—you really want to bank these points before heading into Toronto and Minnesota.
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Actionable Tips for Fans
- Sync Your Calendar: If you keep missing start times, go to the official Red Wings site and download the iCal schedule. It updates automatically if the NHL shifts a game for national TV.
- Check the App: Use the NHL app or FanDuel Sports Network app to check for last-minute line changes. Sometimes a goalie change happens during warmups (around 4:30 PM today).
- Pre-Game Meal: If you’re going to the game, hit up Hockeytown Cafe or Founders Taproom early. They’ll be packed by 3:00 PM for a 5:00 PM puck drop.
The Red Wings are in the thick of a playoff hunt, and these divisional games against Ottawa are the ones that determine where they’ll be sitting come April. Set your reminders for 5:00 PM and get ready for some Atlantic Division rivalry hockey.