Breaking down Red Wings' 2026-27 schedule: Another tough March awaits

Detroit — Who knows who will be leading the front office, and who will be on the roster.

But the Red Wings have their 2026-27 schedule all set and awaiting for them.

The NHL released its schedule Thursday. It's been lengthened to 84 games, from 82, while the preseason has shrunk to four games. Teams will play their divisional opponents four times, teams in the opposite division in the conference three times, and teams in the opposite conference two times.

The Wings will open the regular season at Little Caesars Arena on Friday, Oct. 2, against the New York Rangers. It's the start of a season-opening four-game homestand, with Winnipeg, Ottawa and Seattle following the Rangers.

The Wings open the road portion of the schedule Oct. 10 in Montreal.

Here are three takeaways from the Red Wings' schedule:

Red Wings face another tough March

The Wings have seen their playoff hopes disappear because of terrible months of March the last three seasons.

It's impossible in mid-July to know how teams will look in March — injuries, trade-deadline deals, natural progression or regression all are factors — but on paper, it could be another challenging month.

The Wings are home against playoff teams such as Dallas, Buffalo, Montreal and Ottawa, while also hosting likely improved teams such as New Jersey, Washington and Columbus.

The Wings visit Toronto, Winnipeg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, the New York Islanders and Montreal.

There don't appear to be a lot of breathers, at all, in that lineup.

Red Wings could get off to a quick start

The lineup remains in flux, given the uncertainty surrounding Dylan Larkin, and other possible moves.

But the Wings could sure use a good start to the season to gain confidence and momentum.

There's a chance to pile up some points with that four-game season-opening homestand, and the fact seven of their first eight games are at LCA. The Wings will have to take advantage of that opportunity, given six of the first seven games in November are on the road, including two trips each to divisional rivals Tampa and Florida.

More interesting tidbits on the Red Wings' 2026-27 schedule

▶ Former Red Wings coach Mike Babcock returns to Detroit with his Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 2.

▶ Washington's Alex Ovechkin will likely make his last LCA appearance March 24.

▶ Of the 42 regular-season games at LCA, 21 are scheduled for weekends, including seven Fridays, 10 Saturdays and four Sundays. The Wings have nine homes games in October and January.

▶ The Wings also host their annual Thanksgiving Eve game Nov. 25 against the Vancouver Canucks. The traditional New Year's Eve game is against Stanley Cup-champion Carolina.

▶ The Wings will honor a century of hockey when they host the Boston Bruins in the Centennial Celebration game, which marks the 100th anniversary of the franchise’s inaugural NHL game in 1926.

tkulfan@detroitnews.com

@tkulfan

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Breaking down Red Wings' 2026-27 schedule: Another tough March awaits