Friday night in Hockeytown usually means one thing: the energy at Little Caesars Arena is basically electric. Tonight, January 16, 2026, is no different. The Detroit Red Wings are squaring off against the San Jose Sharks, and if you’re looking for the score of red wings game tonight, you’ve gotta keep in mind that this 7:00 PM EST puck drop is one of those matchups that looks lopsided on paper but feels dangerous on the ice.
Detroit enters this game with a solid 28-16-4 record. They’re sitting second in the Atlantic Division, chasing Tampa Bay for that top spot. Honestly, they’ve been a blast to watch lately, despite a bit of a reality check in their last outing—a 3-0 shutout loss to the Boston Bruins where Cam Talbot played his heart out but got zero run support.
Red Wings vs Sharks: The Stakes at Little Caesars Arena
The big story tonight isn’t just about the standings. It’s about the superstars. Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks' sensation, is coming into Detroit with 71 points in 46 games. That’s elite. He’s the kind of player who can change the score of red wings game tonight with a single shift.
Detroit counters with Alex DeBrincat, who has been their most consistent offensive threat with 49 points. While Celebrini has the raw numbers, the Red Wings have the depth.
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Why the Red Wings are Favored
Vegas has the Wings as heavy favorites, around -215 on the moneyline. It makes sense. Detroit is 16-8-1 at home this season. They’ve turned LCA into a fortress. Plus, they’ve already beaten the Sharks once this year—a gritty 3-2 shootout win back in San Jose.
- Home Dominance: Detroit plays a much faster game on their own ice.
- Power Play Edge: The Wings are clicking at nearly 25%, while the Sharks' penalty kill has been, well, leaky.
- Goaltending: Whether it’s John Gibson or Cam Talbot, Detroit has a clear advantage in the crease.
The Sharks’ Sneaky Road Streak
Don't sleep on San Jose. They’ve actually won four straight on the road. It’s weird, right? A team that’s struggling overall suddenly finds their legs when they leave California. They’re averaging 3.8 goals over their last ten games. If Detroit comes out flat like they did in Boston, the score of red wings game tonight could tilt toward the visitors early.
Key Matchups to Watch
Watching the game on ESPN+ or FanDuel Sports Network Detroit? Keep an eye on the Erik Gustafsson situation. He was just recalled from Grand Rapids because the Wings are down to 12 healthy forwards. He’s been tearing it up in the AHL with 20 points in 22 games, and he might actually see some time on the wing if coach Derek Lalonde needs a spark.
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- Detroit’s Top Line vs Celebrini: If Dylan Larkin and DeBrincat can neutralize the Sharks’ first line, San Jose doesn't have much else to throw at them.
- Special Teams: San Jose’s power play is middle-of-the-pack (20.5%), but Detroit’s unit is top-tier. A couple of power-play goals for Detroit could end this one by the second intermission.
- The First 10 Minutes: Detroit needs to re-establish their identity after that Boston loss. A quick goal from Andrew Copp or Patrick Kane (who is always a threat at home) would settle the nerves.
Looking at the Scoreboard
Predicting the exact score of red wings game tonight is always a gamble, but the trends point toward a high-scoring affair. The over/under is set at 6.5. With the way San Jose has been scoring (and giving up goals), taking the over feels like the smart play.
The Sharks have a -19 scoring differential for a reason. They can score, but they can't stop anyone. Detroit, on the other hand, is a much more balanced squad. They’ve won 13 games this season decided by just a single goal. They know how to close out tight games, which is a huge step forward for this young core compared to where they were two years ago.
What Happens Next?
After tonight, the Wings don't get much of a break. They host the Ottawa Senators on Sunday before heading out on a tough Canadian road trip that includes stops in Toronto and Winnipeg. Every point right now is massive for playoff seeding.
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If you're heading down to Woodward Avenue, grab a drink, find your seat early, and watch for that Celebrini-DeBrincat matchup. It's going to be a fun one.
To track the live score of red wings game tonight, keep your eyes on the NHL app or the live boxscore on Fox Sports. If you're betting, the Sharks at +1.5 on the puck line is a tempting "safe" bet given their recent road success, but Detroit at home is usually the right side of history.
Actionable Insights for Tonight's Game:
- Check the Goalie: Confirm if John Gibson or Cam Talbot is starting about 30 minutes before puck drop. Gibson has been the hotter hand lately with a 4-1-0 record in his last five.
- Watch the Odds: If the line moves closer to -190 for Detroit, there might be value in the moneyline.
- Player Props: Look at Macklin Celebrini for an "Anytime Goal Scorer" bet; he’s been on fire and Detroit’s defense can sometimes be generous.