Editing Detroit Red Wings (section)

==History==
{{further|History of the Detroit Red Wings}}

===Early years (1926–1949)===
[[File:1926 27 Detroit Cougars.png|thumb|Team photo from Detroit's inaugural season ([[1926–27 NHL season|1926–27]]). The franchise was known as the Detroit Cougars from 1926 to 1930.]]
Following the [[1926 Stanley Cup playoffs]], during which the [[Western Canada Hockey League|Western Hockey League]] (WHL) was widely reported to be on the verge of folding,<ref>{{Cite book| author=Coleman, Charles L. | title=The Trail of the Stanley Cup, Vol. 1, 1893–1926 inc. |year=1966 |publisher=National Hockey League |location=Montreal, Quebec |page= 498}}</ref> the NHL held a meeting on April 17 to consider applications for expansion franchises, at which it was reported that five different groups sought a team for Detroit.<ref>{{Cite book| author=Coleman, Charles L. | title=The Trail of the Stanley Cup, Vol. 1, 1893–1926 inc. |year=1966 |publisher=National Hockey League |location=Montreal, Quebec |page=508}}</ref> During a subsequent meeting on May 15, the league approved a franchise to the Townsend-Seyburn group of Detroit and named [[Charles A. Hughes]] as governor.<ref>{{Cite book| author=Coleman, Charles L. | title=The Trail of the Stanley Cup, Vol. 2, 1927–1946 inc. |year=1969 |publisher=National Hockey League |location=Sherbrooke, PQ |page= 7}}</ref> WHL owners [[Frank Patrick (ice hockey)|Frank]] and [[Lester Patrick]] made a deal to sell the league's players to the NHL and cease league operations. The new Detroit franchise purchased the players of the WHL's [[Victoria Cougars]], who had won the Stanley Cup in 1925 and had made the Finals the previous winter, to play for the team. The new Detroit franchise also adopted the Cougars' nickname in honor of the folded franchise.<ref>{{Cite book| author=Coleman, Charles L. | title=The Trail of the Stanley Cup, Vol. 2, 1927–1946 inc. |year=1969 |publisher=National Hockey League |location=Sherbrooke, PQ |pages=8–9}}</ref>

Since no arena in Detroit was ready at the time, the Cougars played their [[1926–27 Detroit Cougars season|first season]] at the [[Border Cities Arena]] in [[Windsor, Ontario]].<ref name="1920s Cougars">{{cite web|title=Written History 1920s – Detroit Red Wings|url=https://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=43765|website=NHL.com|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-date=July 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702184728/http://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=43765|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Nathan|last=Bierma|title=Windsor Arena, first home of the Red Wings, is still standing — for now|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/windsor-arena-first-home-red-wings-still-standing-now/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=October 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018102934/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/windsor-arena-first-home-red-wings-still-standing-now/|url-status=live}}</ref> For the [[1927–28 NHL season|1927–28 season]], the Cougars moved into the new [[Detroit Olympia]], which would be their home rink until December 15, 1979.<ref name=Olympia>{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Ferkovich|title=When the Red Wings said goodbye to Olympia Stadium|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/red-wings-said-goodbye-olympia-stadium/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=January 7, 2017|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=September 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909010201/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/red-wings-said-goodbye-olympia-stadium/|url-status=live}}</ref> This was also the first season behind the bench for [[Jack Adams]], who would be the face of the franchise for the next 36 years as either coach or general manager.<ref name=Adams>{{cite web|first=Tony|last=Wolak|title=Jack Adams, the Man and the Award|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/jack-adams-the-man-the-award/|website=The Hockey Writers|date=August 14, 2017|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-date=September 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906183931/http://thehockeywriters.com/jack-adams-the-man-the-award/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Cougars made the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in [[1928–29 NHL season|1929]], with [[Carson Cooper]] leading the team in scoring.<ref name="1920s Cougars"/><ref>{{cite web|title=1928-29 Detroit Cougars Roster and Statistics|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DTC/1929.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-date=September 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906223949/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DTC/1929.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Cougars were outscored 7–2 in the two-game series with the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]].<ref name="1929 Cougars">{{cite web|title=1928-29 Detroit Cougars Schedule and Results|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DTC/1929_games.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-date=September 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906224926/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DTC/1929_games.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1930, the Cougars were renamed the Falcons, but their woes continued, as they usually finished near the bottom of the standings, even though they made the playoffs again in [[1931–32 NHL season|1932]].<ref>{{multiref2
|1={{cite web|url=https://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=43758|title=Written History 1930s – Detroit Red Wings|website=NHL.com|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-date=January 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108093559/http://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=43758|url-status=live}}
|2={{cite web|title=1930-31 NHL Summary|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1931.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-date=September 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907033853/https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1931.html|url-status=live}}
|3={{cite web|title=1931-32 NHL Summary|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1932.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-date=September 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907032928/https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1932.html|url-status=live}}
|4={{cite web|title=1931-32 Detroit Falcons Schedule and Results|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DTF/1932_games.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-date=September 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907033800/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DTF/1932_games.html|url-status=live}}
}}</ref>

In 1932, the NHL let [[grain trade|grain merchant]] [[James E. Norris]], who had made two previous unsuccessful bids to buy an NHL team, purchase the Falcons. Norris' first act was to rename the team; earlier in the century, Norris had been a member of the [[Montreal Amateur Athletic Association]] (MAAA), a multi-sport club whose winged-wheel emblem derived from its cycling roots, and [[Montreal Hockey Club|whose hockey team]] won the first Stanley Cup in 1893. Norris decided that a red version of the MAAA "[[Montreal AAA Winged Wheelers|Winged Wheelers]]" logo would be perfect for a team playing in the "Motor City", and on October 5, 1932, the club was renamed the Detroit Red Wings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How did they get to be the Red Wings? |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Jamie |website=LiveAbout |url=https://www.liveabout.com/how-did-they-become-red-wings-2778717 |access-date=January 22, 2020 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327160356/https://www.liveabout.com/how-did-they-become-red-wings-2778717 |url-status=live}}</ref> Norris also placed coach Jack Adams on a one-year probation for the [[1932–33 NHL season]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Legends of Hockey – Spotlight – One on One with Jack Adams|url=https://www.hhof.com/htmlSpotlight/spot_oneononep195901.shtml|website=Hockey Hall of Fame|date=November 24, 2006|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-date=September 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907034014/https://www.hhof.com/htmlSpotlight/spot_oneononep195901.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Adams managed to pass his probationary period by leading the Red Wings to their first-ever playoff series victory, over the [[Montreal Maroons]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1933 NHL Stanley Cup Quarter-Finals: DET vs. MTM|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/1933-detroit-red-wings-vs-montreal-maroons-quarter-finals.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-date=September 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907075517/https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/1933-detroit-red-wings-vs-montreal-maroons-quarter-finals.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The team then lost in the semifinals to the [[New York Rangers]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1933 NHL Stanley Cup Semi-Finals: DET vs. NYR|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/1933-detroit-red-wings-vs-new-york-rangers-semi-finals.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-date=September 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907032632/https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/1933-detroit-red-wings-vs-new-york-rangers-semi-finals.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[1933–34 NHL season|1934]], the Red Wings made the [[1934 Stanley Cup Finals|Stanley Cup Finals]] for the first time, with [[John Sorrell (ice hockey)|John Sorrell]] scoring 21 goals over 47 games and [[Larry Aurie]] leading the team in scoring.<ref>{{cite web|title=1933-34 Detroit Red Wings Roster and Statistics|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1934.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 7, 2017|archive-date=August 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803130016/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1934.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the [[Chicago Blackhawks|Chicago Black Hawks]] defeated the Red Wings in the Finals, winning the best-of-five series in four games to claim their first title.<ref name="1930s champs">{{cite web|title=Stanley Cup Champions 1930-1939|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-stanley-cup-champions-1930-1939/c-287934514|publisher=National Hockey League|date=January 1, 2017|access-date=September 7, 2017|archive-date=September 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907214607/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-stanley-cup-champions-1930-1939/c-287934514|url-status=live}}</ref> Two seasons later, the Red Wings won their first Stanley Cup in [[1935–36 NHL season|1936]], defeating Toronto in four games.<ref name="1930s champs"/> Detroit repeated as Stanley Cup champions in [[1936–37 NHL season|1937]], winning over the Rangers in the full five games.<ref name="1930s champs"/> In 1938, the [[Montreal Canadiens]] and the Red Wings became the first NHL teams to play in Europe, playing in [[Paris]] and [[London]]. The Wings played nine games against the Canadiens and went 3–5–1. They did not play in Europe again until the preseason and start of the [[2009–10 NHL season]], in Sweden, against the [[St. Louis Blues]].<ref>{{Cite web|first=Clark|last=Rasmussen|title=Red Wings End Preseason with 6-2 Win over Farjestad|url=https://www.detroithockey.net/news/2009/09/30/red-wings-end-preseason-with-6-2-win-over-farjestad/|publisher=DetroitHockey.Net|date=September 30, 2009|access-date=December 23, 2009|quote=The Red Wings were involved in the NHL's first foray into Europe, visiting Paris and London alongside the Montreal Canadiens in 1938. The two teams played nine games with the Wings going 3-5-1 in the series.|archive-date=December 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223190506/https://www.detroithockey.net/news/2009/09/30/red-wings-end-preseason-with-6-2-win-over-farjestad/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Gordie Howe 1946-47.jpg|thumb|upright|Making his NHL debut in 1946, [[Gordie Howe]] played alongside [[Sid Abel]] and [[Ted Lindsay]] from 1947 to 1951, forming the [[Production Line (ice hockey)|Production Line]].]]
The Red Wings made the Stanley Cup Finals in three consecutive years during the early 1940s.<ref name="1940s Wings">{{cite web|title=Written History 1940s – Detroit Red Wings|url=https://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=43757|website=NHL.com|access-date=September 7, 2017|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108105515/http://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=43757|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[1940–41 NHL season|1941]], they were swept by the [[Boston Bruins]], and in [[1941–42 NHL season|1942]], they lost a seven-game series to Toronto after winning the first three games.<ref name="1940s Wings"/> However, in [[1942–43 NHL season|1943]], with [[Mud Bruneteau]] and [[Syd Howe]] scoring 23 and 20 goals, respectively, Detroit won their third Stanley Cup by sweeping the Bruins.<ref name="1940s Wings"/><ref>{{cite web|title=1942-43 Detroit Red Wings Roster and Statistics|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1943.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 7, 2017|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908064736/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1943.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Through the rest of the decade, the team made the playoffs every year, and reached the Finals three more times.<ref>{{multiref2
|1={{cite web|title=1943-44 Detroit Red Wings Schedule and Results|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1944_games.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 4, 2024|archive-date=July 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718112942/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1944_games.html|url-status=live}}
|2={{cite web|title=1944-45 Detroit Red Wings Schedule and Results|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1945_games.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 4, 2024|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327160422/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1945_games.html|url-status=live}}
|3={{cite web|title=1945-46 Detroit Red Wings Schedule and Results|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1946_games.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 4, 2024|archive-date=March 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304185451/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1946_games.html|url-status=live}}
|4={{cite web|title=1946-47 Detroit Red Wings Schedule and Results|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1947_games.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 4, 2024|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327160434/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1947_games.html|url-status=live}}
}}</ref><ref name="1948 Wings">{{cite web|title=1947-48 Detroit Red Wings Schedule and Results|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1948_games.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 4, 2024|archive-date=May 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529230746/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1948_games.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="1949 Wings">{{cite web|title=1948-49 Detroit Red Wings Schedule and Results|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1949_games.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=March 4, 2024|archive-date=March 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327162604/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1949_games.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[1946–47 NHL season|1946]], one of the greatest players in hockey history came into the NHL with the Red Wings. [[Gordie Howe]], a right winger from [[Floral, Saskatchewan]], only scored seven goals and 15 assists in his first season, and would not reach his prime for a few more years.<ref>{{cite web|title=The life of 'Mr. Hockey' Gordie Howe: A timeline|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/gordie-howe-mr-hockey-timeline-moments/c-280930698|publisher=National Hockey League|date=June 10, 2016|access-date=September 7, 2017|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908064804/https://www.nhl.com/news/gordie-howe-mr-hockey-timeline-moments/c-280930698|url-status=live}}</ref> It was also the last season as head coach for Adams, who stepped down after the season to concentrate on his duties as general manager and was succeeded by minor league coach [[Tommy Ivan]].<ref name="Production Line">{{cite web|first=J. Conrad|last=Guest|title=Tommy Ivan devised Red Wings' famous "Production Line"|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/tommy-ivan-devised-red-wings-famous-production-line/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=January 22, 2013|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=June 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625234945/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/tommy-ivan-devised-red-wings-famous-production-line/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Gerald|last=Eskenazi|title=Tommy Ivan, 88, Executive For Two Hockey Champions|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/27/sports/tommy-ivan-88-executive-for-two-hockey-champions.html|website=The New York Times|date=June 27, 1999|access-date=September 7, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916134214/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/06/27/sports/tommy-ivan-88-executive-for-two-hockey-champions.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By his second season, Howe was paired with [[Sid Abel]] and [[Ted Lindsay]] to form what would become one of the great lines in NHL history: the "[[Production Line (ice hockey)|Production Line]]".<ref name="Production Line"/> Lindsay's 33 goals propelled the Red Wings to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they were swept by the Maple Leafs.<ref name="1948 Wings"/> Detroit reached the Finals again the following season, only to be swept again by Toronto.<ref name="1949 Wings"/>

===Gordie Howe era (1950–1966)===
During the [[1949–50 NHL season|1950]] semifinals, [[Leo Reise Jr.]] scored the winning goal in overtime, which prevented the Maple Leafs from winning four straight championships.<ref name="1950 Wings">{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=When the Red Wings won the Cup for Gordie|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/when-the-red-wings-won-the-cup-for-gordie/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=April 14, 2015|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=October 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028044353/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/when-the-red-wings-won-the-cup-for-gordie/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Finals, the Red Wings defeated the New York Rangers in seven games. In Game 7, [[Pete Babando]] scored the game winner in double overtime.<ref name="1950 Wings"/> After the game, Lindsay skated around the Olympia ice with the Stanley Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/winter02/hockey/story?id=1340012|title=Hockey's all-time greatest games|work=ESPN.com|date=February 24, 2002|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=November 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118035249/http://www.espn.com/olympics/winter02/hockey/story?id=1340012|url-status=live}}</ref>

After being upset by the Montreal Canadiens in the [[1950–51 NHL season|1951]] semifinals, Detroit won its fifth Stanley Cup in [[1952 Stanley Cup Finals|1952]], sweeping both the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens, with the Production Line of Howe, Abel and Lindsay joined by second-year goaltender [[Terry Sawchuk]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1950-1951 Season|url=http://ourhistory.canadiens.com/season/1950-1951|website=NHL.com|publisher=Montreal Canadiens|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420011749/http://ourhistory.canadiens.com/season/1950-1951|archivedate=April 20, 2023|access-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref><ref name="1952 Wings">{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=1951-52 Stanley Cup Champions: The greatest team in Red Wings' history|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/1951-52-stanley-cup-champions-greatest-team-red-wings-history/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=December 6, 2014|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=November 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103145121/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/1951-52-stanley-cup-champions-greatest-team-red-wings-history/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Bob|last=Duff|title=Terry Sawchuk: 100 Greatest NHL Players|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/terry-sawchuk-100-greatest-nhl-hockey-players/c-284174960|publisher=National Hockey League|date=January 1, 2017|access-date=September 8, 2017|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908201147/https://www.nhl.com/news/terry-sawchuk-100-greatest-nhl-hockey-players/c-284174960|url-status=live}}</ref> Detroit became the first team in 17 years to go undefeated in the playoffs.<ref name="1952 Wings"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Moore|title=Those Marauding Montreal Maroons|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/those-marauding-montreal-maroons/|website=The Hockey Writers|date=July 17, 2017|access-date=September 8, 2017|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908202141/https://thehockeywriters.com/those-marauding-montreal-maroons/|url-status=live}}</ref> They also scored 24 playoff goals, compared to Toronto and Montreal's combined total of 5.<ref>{{cite web|title=1951-52 Detroit Red Wings Schedule and Results|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1952_games.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 8, 2017|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908202118/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1952_games.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Abel left the Red Wings for Chicago during the off-season, and his spot on the roster was replaced by [[Alex Delvecchio]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Joe|last=Lapointe|title=Sid Abel, 81, a Hockey Star On a Famed Red Wings Line|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/10/sports/sid-abel-81-a-hockey-star-on-a-famed-red-wings-line.html|website=The New York Times|date=February 10, 2000|access-date=September 8, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909010428/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/10/sports/sid-abel-81-a-hockey-star-on-a-famed-red-wings-line.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=Hall of Famer Delvecchio captained the Red Wings for 12 seasons|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/hall-famer-delvecchio-captained-red-wings-12-seasons/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=December 14, 2014|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203063607/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/hall-famer-delvecchio-captained-red-wings-12-seasons/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 1952, James E. Norris died.<ref name=Maguerite>{{cite web|title=Marguerite Norris: first woman named on the Stanley Cup|url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/marguerite-norris-first-woman-named-on-the-stanley-cup|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=September 8, 2017|archive-date=September 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904002559/http://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/marguerite-norris-first-woman-named-on-the-stanley-cup|url-status=live}}</ref> He was succeeded as team president by his daughter, [[Marguerite Norris|Marguerite]], which made her the first woman to head an NHL franchise.<ref name=Maguerite/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/14/obituaries/marguerite-norris-hockey-team-president-67.html|title=Marguerite Norris, Hockey Team President, 67|date=May 14, 1994|website=The New York Times|access-date=July 29, 2018|archive-date=July 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729081942/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/14/obituaries/marguerite-norris-hockey-team-president-67.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:1952 Detroit Red Wings.jpg|left|thumb|Team photo of the 1952 Detroit Red Wings]]
Following another playoff upset in [[1952–53 NHL season|1953]] at the hands of the Bruins,<ref>{{cite web|first=Brad|last=Kurtzberg|title=Ranking the 10 Most Disappointing Teams in NHL History|url=https://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/1722126-ranking-the-10-most-disappointing-teams-in-nhl-history|website=Bleacher Report|date=July 31, 2013|access-date=September 9, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909232940/http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/1722126-ranking-the-10-most-disappointing-teams-in-nhl-history|url-status=live}}</ref> the Red Wings won back-to-back Stanley Cups, beating the rival powerhouse Montreal Canadiens. Both of the Stanley Cup Finals played between the two teams were decided in seven games. The seventh game during the [[1953–54 NHL season|1954 Stanley Cup Finals]] was won with one of the oddest cup winning goals ever, when the 5'7" left winger [[Tony Leswick]], known more for his relentless checking than scoring prowess, shot a puck towards the Montreal goal from the middle of the ice. Habs defenseman [[Doug Harvey (ice hockey)|Doug Harvey]] tried to gain control of the wobbly puck with his glove but instead redirected it past Montreal goalie [[Gerry McNeil]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=44029|title=1953 - 1954 Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup Season|website=NHL.com|publisher=Detroit Red Wings|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=March 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318114155/http://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=44029|url-status=live}}</ref> The repeat of the series [[1954–55 NHL season|the season after]] was closely contested, as all seven games were won by the home team, with Detroit taking the seventh game. Montreal was sorely lacking its all-star [[Maurice Richard]], who was suspended after hitting a linesman during the regular season, and the Red Wings' stars carried their team, as Lindsay scored four goals in a single game and Howe scored 20 points during the playoffs, 12 of which during the Finals, all new records in the league.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=44030|title=1954 - 1955 Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup Season|website=NHL.com|publisher=Detroit Red Wings|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=March 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318114146/http://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=44030|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 1954–55 season ended a run of seven straight regular season titles, an NHL record.<ref>{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=Red Wings are only team to ever win seven consecutive NHL league titles|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/red-wings-team-ever-win-seven-consecutive-nhl-league-titles/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=December 16, 2016|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=October 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027075929/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/red-wings-team-ever-win-seven-consecutive-nhl-league-titles/|url-status=live}}</ref> During the 1955 off-season, Marguerite Norris lost an intra-family power struggle, and was forced to turn over the Red Wings to her younger brother [[Bruce Norris (ice hockey)|Bruce]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Gene|last=Myers|title=New Gordie Howe book recounts Detroit Red Wings' decline after 1950s|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2014/09/11/new-gordie-howe-book-recounts-red-wings-decline-after-1950s-dynasty/15431555/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=September 11, 2014|access-date=September 8, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909052958/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2014/09/11/new-gordie-howe-book-recounts-red-wings-decline-after-1950s-dynasty/15431555/|url-status=live}}</ref> Detroit and Montreal once again met, in the [[1955–56 NHL season|1956 Stanley Cup Finals]], but this time the Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, their first of five in a row.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stanley Cup No. 8|url=http://ourhistory.canadiens.com/greatest-moment/Stanley-Cup-No-8|website=NHL.com|publisher=Montreal Canadiens|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203140/http://ourhistory.canadiens.com/greatest-moment/Stanley-Cup-No-8|archivedate=March 21, 2023|access-date=September 9, 2017}}</ref> In [[1956–57 NHL season|1957]], Lindsay, who had scored 30 goals and led the league in assists with 55, teamed up with Harvey to help start the [[National Hockey League Players' Association]] (NHLPA).<ref>{{cite web|title=1956-57 NHL Leaders|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1957_leaders.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 9, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909232751/https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1957_leaders.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Liz|last=Mullen|title=The making of a union|url=https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2017/01/23/Labor-and-Agents/NHLPA.aspx|website=SportsBusiness Journal|date=January 23, 2017|access-date=September 8, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909053446/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2017/01/23/Labor-and-Agents/NHLPA.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, he and [[goaltender]] [[Glenn Hall]] were promptly traded to Chicago.<ref>{{cite web|title=5 Most Important trades in NHL History|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/5-most-important-trades-in-nhl-history/c-4710|publisher=National Hockey League|date=December 12, 2011|access-date=September 9, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909233221/https://www.nhl.com/news/5-most-important-trades-in-nhl-history/c-4710|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[1958–59 NHL season|1959]], the Red Wings missed the playoffs for the first time in 21 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vintage NHL Original Six Programs|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/all-time-original-six-vintage-nhl-programs/c-284943134|publisher=National Hockey League|date=January 1, 2017|access-date=September 9, 2017|archive-date=September 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910040721/https://www.nhl.com/news/all-time-original-six-vintage-nhl-programs/c-284943134|url-status=live}}</ref> However, within a couple of years, the franchise was able to rejuvenate itself. The Red Wings made the Finals in four of the next six years between [[1960–61 NHL season|1961]] and [[1965–66 NHL season|1966]].<ref name="1960s Wings">{{cite web|title=Written History 1960s – Detroit Red Wings|url=https://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=43761|website=NHL.com|publisher=Detroit Red Wings|access-date=September 9, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310131215/http://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=43761|url-status=live}}</ref> However, they came away empty-handed.<ref name="1960s Wings"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=Sid Abel's Wings Fell Short in four Stanley Cup Finals|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/sid-abels-wings-fell-short-four-stanley-cup-finals/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=November 11, 2014|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=October 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026162047/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/sid-abels-wings-fell-short-four-stanley-cup-finals/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==="Dead Wings" era (1967–1982)===
[[File:Detroit December 2015 59 (Joe Louis Arena).jpg|thumb|On December 27, 1979, the Red Wings played their first game at [[Joe Louis Arena]], moving from the [[Detroit Olympia]].]]
Only a year after making the Finals, the Red Wings finished a distant fifth, 24 points out of the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|title=1966-67 NHL Summary|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1967.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 10, 2017|archive-date=September 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910221319/https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1967.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It was the beginning of a slump that they would not emerge from in almost 20 years. This period is derisively known as the "Dead Wings" era.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2772756|title=The Original Six: Detroit Red Wings|last=Burnside|first=Scott|date=February 21, 2007|work=ESPN.com|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310132051/https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2772756|url-status=live}}</ref>

One factor in the Red Wings' decline was the end of the old development system.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Original Six|url=http://www.hockeycentral.co.uk/nhl/history/nhl-orgsix.php|website=Hockeycentral|access-date=September 10, 2017|archive-date=July 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728095657/http://www.hockeycentral.co.uk/nhl/history/nhl-orgsix.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Another factor was [[Ned Harkness]], who was hired as coach in [[1970–71 NHL season|1970]] and was promoted to general manager midway through the season. A successful college hockey coach, Harkness tried to force his two-way style of play on a veteran Red Wings team resistant to change. They chafed under his rule in which he demanded short hair and no smoking, and put other rules in place regarding drinking and phone calls.<ref name="brokenwings">{{Cite magazine | url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1971/01/18/poor-broken-wings/ | title=Poor Broken Wings | author=Mulvoy, Mark | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=January 18, 1971 | access-date=June 29, 2008 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102070652/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1084495/2/index.htm | archive-date=January 2, 2013}}</ref> Harkness was forced to resign in 1974, ending the period colloquially referred to as "Darkness with Harkness".<ref>{{cite web|first=Stu|last=Hackel|title=The Morning Skate: Ned Harkness and the Fall of the Red Wings|url=https://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/22/the-morning-skate-ned-harkness-and-the-fall-of-the-red-wings/|website=The New York Times|date=September 22, 2008|access-date=September 10, 2017|archive-date=September 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910221257/https://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/22/the-morning-skate-ned-harkness-and-the-fall-of-the-red-wings/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Howe>{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=The controversial final year of Gordie Howe's career with the Red Wings|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/02/07/now-playing-defense-gordie-howe/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=February 7, 2016|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=December 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223214055/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/02/07/now-playing-defense-gordie-howe/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0_tJAAAAIBAJ&pg=2523,1297315&hl=en|title=Harkness Resigns|author=Daily Wire Services|work=The Michigan Daily|date=February 7, 1974|access-date=May 22, 2018|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310132526/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0_tJAAAAIBAJ&pg=2523,1297315&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the expansion season of [[1967–68 NHL season|1967–68]], the Red Wings acquired longtime star left-winger [[Frank Mahovlich]] from the defending Cup champions in Toronto. Mahovlich would go on a line with Howe and Delvecchio, and in [[1968–69 NHL season|1968–69]], he scored a career-high 49 goals and had two All-Star seasons in Detroit.<ref>{{cite web|first=Stu|last=Hackel|title=Frank Mahovlich: 100 Greatest NHL Players|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/frank-mahovlich-100-greatest-nhl-hockey-players/c-284312184|publisher=National Hockey League|date=January 1, 2017|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912011552/https://www.nhl.com/news/frank-mahovlich-100-greatest-nhl-hockey-players/c-284312184|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NHL All-Star Game Historical Summaries - 1969|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=28936|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=June 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615014036/http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=28936|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NHL All-Star Game Historical Summaries - 1970|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=28937|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=June 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615001759/http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=28937|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Mahovlich was traded to Montreal in [[1970–71 NHL season|1971]], while Howe announced his retirement the same year.<ref name=Howe/><ref name=Trades>{{cite web|first=Daniel|last=Williams|title=Ranking the 5 Biggest Trades in Detroit Red Wings History|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1976207-ranking-the-5-biggest-trades-in-detroit-red-wings-history|website=Bleacher Report|date=February 27, 2014|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=September 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911205056/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1976207-ranking-the-5-biggest-trades-in-detroit-red-wings-history|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout the decade, the Red Wings were hampered due to a number of factors.<ref>{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=When the wheels fell off the Red Wings in the 1970s|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/01/26/wheels-fell-off-red-wings-1970s/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=January 26, 2016|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=December 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223192156/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/01/26/wheels-fell-off-red-wings-1970s/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 27, 1979, during the [[1979–80 NHL season|1979–80 season]], the Red Wings officially began playing at the [[Joe Louis Arena]] after leaving the Olympia, where they had played since 1927.<ref>{{cite web|first=Gregg|last=Krupa|title=The Final Period Begins for Joe Louis Arena|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2016/10/17/final-period-begins-joe-louis-arena/92218854/|website=The Detroit News|date=October 17, 2016|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=April 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419043239/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2016/10/17/final-period-begins-joe-louis-arena/92218854/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1982, after 50 years of family ownership, Bruce Norris sold the Red Wings to [[Mike Ilitch]], founder of the pizza chain [[Little Caesars]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Written History 1980s – Detroit Red Wings|url=http://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=43763|website=Detroit Red Wings|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310132048/http://redwings.ice.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=43763|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Steve Yzerman era (1983–2006)===
In [[1983 NHL entry draft|1983]], the Red Wings drafted [[Steve Yzerman]], a center from the [[Peterborough Petes]], with their first-round pick. He led the team in scoring in [[1983–84 NHL season|his rookie year]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Kimelman|title=Best pick at No. 4: Steve Yzerman, Red Wings|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/best-pick-at-no-4-steve-yzerman-red-wings/c-675168|publisher=National Hockey League|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912012607/https://www.nhl.com/news/best-pick-at-no-4-steve-yzerman-red-wings/c-675168|url-status=live}}</ref> That season, with [[John Ogrodnick]], [[Ivan Boldirev]], [[Ron Duguay]], and [[Brad Park]], Detroit made the playoffs for the first time in six years,<ref>{{cite web|title=1983-84 Detroit Red Wings Roster and Statistics|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1984.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912012632/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1984.html|url-status=live}}</ref> with Park ended up winning the [[Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Brad Park Stats and News|url=https://www.nhl.com/player/brad-park-8450206|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912012021/https://www.nhl.com/player/brad-park-8450206|url-status=live}}</ref> He was later asked to coach the Red Wings after they fired [[Harry Neale]] 35 games into the [[1985–86 NHL season|1985–86 season]],<ref>{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Holmes|title=When Mike Ilitch found a new head coach for the Red Wings on Christmas Eve|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/03/10/when-mike-ilitch-found-a-new-head-coach-for-the-red-wings-on-christmas-eve/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=March 10, 2016|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=December 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223194735/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/03/10/when-mike-ilitch-found-a-new-head-coach-for-the-red-wings-on-christmas-eve/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tripi |first=Bob |date=December 30, 1985 |title=The Detroit Red Wings fired Coach Harry Neale today... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/12/30/The-Detroit-Red-Wings-fired-Coach-Harry-Neale-today/9925504766800/ |access-date=August 20, 2023 |website=[[United Press International]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tripi |first=Bob |title=The burden now falls on Brad Park to do... - UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/12/31/The-burden-now-falls-on-Brad-Park-to-do/1720504853200/ |access-date=August 20, 2023 |website=[[United Press International]]}}</ref> however, he was fired on June 3, 1986, after they finished last place with a 17–57–6 record for only 40 points, the worst record in the league.<ref>{{multiref2
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|4={{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Dave Bartkowiak |date=March 2, 2020 |title=The 10 worst Detroit Red Wings seasons in history |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2019/12/10/the-10-worst-detroit-red-wings-seasons-in-history/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=WDIV |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127232329/https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2019/12/10/the-10-worst-detroit-red-wings-seasons-in-history/ |url-status=live}}
|5={{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Ansar |date=December 29, 2008 |title=Red Wings were NHL's worst team in 1985-86 |url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2008/12/red_wings_were_nhls_worst_team.html |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=mlive |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127203228/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2008/12/red_wings_were_nhls_worst_team.html |url-status=live}}
|6={{Cite web |last=Kulfan |first=Ted |title=Red Wings are bad, but will they be worst in franchise history? |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/03/02/detroit-red-wings-bad-but-they-worst-franchise-history/4923044002/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=The Detroit News |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127203452/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/03/02/detroit-red-wings-bad-but-they-worst-franchise-history/4923044002/ |url-status=live}}
|7={{Cite news |last=Bultman |first=Max |title=How does this Red Wings season stack up with the worst in NHL history? |url=https://theathletic.com/1573904/2020/01/31/how-does-this-red-wings-season-stack-up-with-the-worst-in-nhl-history/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=The Athletic |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127203448/https://theathletic.com/1573904/2020/01/31/how-does-this-red-wings-season-stack-up-with-the-worst-in-nhl-history/ |url-status=live}}
}}</ref> This was the same year that the Red Wings added [[Enforcer (ice hockey)|enforcer]] [[Bob Probert]], one of the most familiar faces of the team during the 1980s and 1990s.<ref>{{cite web|first=Brendan|last=Savage|title=Proof that Bob Probert was NHL heavyweight fight champ|url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2017/08/the_best_of_bob_proberts_fight.html|website=MLive|date=August 1, 2017|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923223356/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2017/08/the_best_of_bob_proberts_fight.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Steve Yzerman (Columbus OH, 2005).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Named team captain in 1986, [[Steve Yzerman]] captained the Red Wings until his retirement in 2006.]]
In the [[1986–87 NHL season|1986–87 season]], with Yzerman, now the captain following the departure of [[Danny Gare]], joined by [[Petr Klima]], [[Adam Oates]], [[Gerard Gallant]], defenseman [[Darren Veitch]], and new head coach [[Jacques Demers]], the Red Wings won a playoff series for only the second time in the modern era.<ref>{{multiref2
|1={{cite web|first=Matt|last=Eichel|title=Steve Yzerman: NHL's All-Time Great Leaders, Part II|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25638-steve-yzerman-nhls-all-time-great-leaders-part-ii|website=Beacher Report|date=May 27, 2008|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912234144/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/25638-steve-yzerman-nhls-all-time-great-leaders-part-ii|url-status=live}}
|2={{cite web|title=Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Danny Gare|url=http://www.hhof.com/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=12682|website=Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912234137/http://www.hhof.com/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=12682|url-status=dead}}
|3={{cite web|title=Detroit Red Wings Captains|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/captains.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912234412/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/captains.html|url-status=live}}
}}</ref><ref name="1987 Wings">{{cite web|title=1986-87 Detroit Red Wings Roster and Statistics|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1987.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912234313/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1987.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They made it all the way to the conference finals against the powerful [[Edmonton Oilers]], but lost to the eventual Stanley Cup champions in five games.<ref name="1987 Wings"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Stu|last=Hackel|title=1986-87 Oilers voted No. 5 Greatest NHL Team|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/1987-edmonton-oilers-greatest-nhl-teams/c-289684980|publisher=National Hockey League|date=May 31, 2017|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912234146/https://www.nhl.com/news/1987-edmonton-oilers-greatest-nhl-teams/c-289684980|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[1987–88 NHL season|1988]], they won their first division title in 23 years. They did so, however, in a relatively weak division, as no other team in the Norris finished above .500.<ref>{{cite web|title=1987-88 NHL Summary|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1988.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913044535/https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1988.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As was the case in the previous season, they made it to the conference finals only to lose again to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Oilers in five games.<ref>{{cite web|first=Stu|last=Hackel|title=1987-88 Oilers voted No. 4 Greatest NHL Team|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/1988-edmonton-oilers-greatest-nhl-team/c-289750554|publisher=National Hockey League|date=June 3, 2017|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913043759/https://www.nhl.com/news/1988-edmonton-oilers-greatest-nhl-team/c-289750554|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[1988–89 NHL season|1989]], Yzerman scored a career-best 65 goals, but Detroit was upset in the first round by the Chicago Blackhawks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=5844|title=Steve Yzerman's hockey statistics profile|publisher=hockeyDB.com|access-date=June 21, 2008|archive-date=December 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227235715/http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=5844|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=1988-89 Detroit Red Wings Roster and Statistics|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1989.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913044539/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1989.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Kiley|title=Hawks Roll In Clincher|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-04-14-8904040555-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=April 14, 1989|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407011612/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-04-14-8904040555-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The following season, Yzerman scored 62 goals, but the team missed the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|title=1989-90 Detroit Red Wings Roster and Statistics|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1990.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913044014/https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1990.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Jordan|last=Hoy|title=1989-1990: A Look Back At The Wings' Last Losing Season|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/1989-1990-look-back-wings-last-losing-season/|website=The Hockey Writers|date=March 19, 2014|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913044447/https://thehockeywriters.com/1989-1990-look-back-wings-last-losing-season/|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the season, Demers was fired and was replaced by [[Bryan Murray (ice hockey)|Bryan Murray]] as the new head coach.<ref>{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Stubbs|title=Former coach Demers rooting for Red Wings|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/jacques-demers-rooting-for-red-wings/c-279979580|publisher=National Hockey League|date=March 29, 2016|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913183207/https://www.nhl.com/news/jacques-demers-rooting-for-red-wings/c-279979580|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Murray>{{cite web|first=Helene|last=St. James|title=Former Red Wings coach, GM Bryan Murray, who started playoff streak, dies|url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2017/08/12/red-wings-mourn-p/562270001/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=August 12, 2017|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913193736/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2017/08/12/red-wings-mourn-p/562270001/|url-status=live}}</ref> Murray was unable to get them back over .500, but they returned to the playoffs.<ref name=Murray/><ref>{{cite web|title=1990-91 NHL Summary|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1991.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425033550/https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1991.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Yzerman was joined by [[Sergei Fedorov]], who would be an award-winner and frequent all-star for the team during the 1990s.<ref>{{cite web|first=Stu|last=Hackel|title=Sergei Fedorov: 100 Greatest NHL Players|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/sergei-fedorov-100-greatest-nhl-hockey-players/c-285497404|publisher=National Hockey League|date=January 1, 2017|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913232205/https://www.nhl.com/news/sergei-fedorov-100-greatest-nhl-hockey-players/c-285497404|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1991, the team signed free agent [[Ray Sheppard]], who would score a career-best 52 goals three years later.<ref>{{cite web|title=SPORTS PEOPLE: HOCKEY; Detroit Signs Sheppard|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/06/sports/sports-people-hockey-detroit-signs-sheppard.html|website=The New York Times|date=August 6, 1991|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913232308/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/06/sports/sports-people-hockey-detroit-signs-sheppard.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Ray Sheppard|url=http://www.hhof.com/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11491|website=Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913231626/http://www.hhof.com/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11491|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1993, the Red Wings acquired top defenseman [[Paul Coffey]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Lisa|last=Dillman|title=Carson Returns; Coffey to Detroit : Kings: The trade also involves four other players. Gretzky is said to be saddened by the deal.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-01-30-sp-1780-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=January 30, 1993|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926131519/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-01-30-sp-1780-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Also joining the Red Wings around this time were draft picks [[Vladimir Konstantinov]], [[Nicklas Lidström|Nicklas Lidstrom]], [[Vyacheslav Kozlov]], [[Darren McCarty]], and [[Chris Osgood]].<ref name=Konstantinov>{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Farber|title=Where are they now? Vladimir Konstantinov|url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/where-are-they-now-vladimir-konstantinov/c-468350|website=NHL.com|date=July 8, 2009|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913232122/https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/where-are-they-now-vladimir-konstantinov/c-468350|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{multiref2
|1={{cite web|first=Ansar|last=Khan|title=Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom looking to make it happen in 18th season|url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2009/10/red_wings_nicklas_lidstrom_loo.html|website=MLive|date=October 1, 2009|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923234418/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2009/10/red_wings_nicklas_lidstrom_loo.html|url-status=live}}
|2={{cite web|title=Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Vyacheslav Kozlov|url=http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=10831|website=Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913231640/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=10831|url-status=live}}
|3={{cite web|title=Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Darren McCarty|url=http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11058|website=Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914034429/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11058|url-status=live}}
|4={{cite web|first=Todd|last=Beam|title=Osgood retires|url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/osgood-retires/c-569641|website=Detroit Red Wings|date=July 19, 2011|access-date=October 4, 2017|archive-date=October 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005000257/https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/osgood-retires/c-569641|url-status=live}}
}}</ref>

====The Russian Five and back-to-back Stanley Cups (1994–1998)====
In [[1993–94 NHL season|1993]], former Montreal Canadiens coach [[Scotty Bowman]] was hired as the new head coach.<ref>{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=Remembering Scotty Bowman's first season with the Red Wings|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/11/02/remembering-scotty-bowmans-first-season-red-wings/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=November 2, 2014|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=December 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223195058/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2014/11/02/remembering-scotty-bowmans-first-season-red-wings/|url-status=live}}</ref> In his second season, the [[1994–95 NHL lockout|lockout]]-shortened [[1994–95 NHL season]], Bowman guided Detroit to its first Finals appearance in 29 years, only to be swept by the [[New Jersey Devils]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Bak|title=Remembering the Wings' strike-shortened 1994-95 season|url=https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/01/15/remembering-the-red-wings-strike-shortened-1994-1995-season/|website=Vintage Detroit|date=January 15, 2013|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=December 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223200602/https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2013/01/15/remembering-the-red-wings-strike-shortened-1994-1995-season/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Best moments in Joe Louis Arena history: No. 9|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2017/03/30/joe-louis-arena-memorable-moments/99704970/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=March 30, 2017|access-date=October 4, 2017|archive-date=October 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004192252/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2017/03/30/joe-louis-arena-memorable-moments/99704970/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Yannis|title=1995 STANLEY CUP FINALS; New Jersey and the Cup - Perfect Together|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/25/sports/1995-stanley-cup-finals-new-jersey-and-the-cup-perfect-together.html|website=The New York Times|date=June 25, 1995|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-date=May 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526145426/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/25/sports/1995-stanley-cup-finals-new-jersey-and-the-cup-perfect-together.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the [[1995–96 NHL season|1995–96 season]], the Red Wings won a then NHL record 62 games. However, after defeating the St. Louis Blues in seven games, they would fall in the conference finals to the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the [[Colorado Avalanche]].<ref name="1996 Wings">{{cite web|first=Tony|last=Wolak|title=The Greatest Detroit Red Wings Team Not to Win the Stanley Cup|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/the-greatest-detroit-red-wings-team-not-to-win-the-stanley-cup/|website=The Hockey Writers|date=March 15, 2016|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914222721/https://thehockeywriters.com/the-greatest-detroit-red-wings-team-not-to-win-the-stanley-cup/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Joe|last=Lapointe|title=After 104 Minutes, Colorado Wins the Cup|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/11/sports/after-104-minutes-colorado-wins-the-cup.html|website=The New York Times|date=June 11, 1996|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220300/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/11/sports/after-104-minutes-colorado-wins-the-cup.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Kimelman|title=Pastrnak hat trick helps Bruins top Flyers, set NHL wins record at 63|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-philadelphia-flyers-game-recap/c-343082544|website=NHL.com|date=April 9, 2023|access-date=April 17, 2023|archive-date=April 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410012748/https://www.nhl.com/news/boston-bruins-philadelphia-flyers-game-recap/c-343082544|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[1996–97 NHL season|The following season]], the Red Wings acquired [[Brendan Shanahan]] and [[Larry Murphy (ice hockey)|Larry Murphy]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Yannis|title=Whalers Finally Trade Shanahan for Coffey|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/10/sports/whalers-finally-trade-shanahan-for-coffey.html|website=The New York Times|date=October 10, 1996|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915023311/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/10/sports/whalers-finally-trade-shanahan-for-coffey.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Corey|last=Masisak|title=No. 4: Murphy proved a steal for Wings in '97|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/no-4-murphy-proved-a-steal-for-wings-in-97/c-554037|publisher=National Hockey League|date=February 24, 2014|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-date=May 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519021730/https://www.nhl.com/news/no-4-murphy-proved-a-steal-for-wings-in-97/c-554037|url-status=live}}</ref> In the playoffs, they would defeat the St. Louis Blues, the [[Anaheim Ducks|Mighty Ducks of Anaheim]] and the Avalanche in the first three rounds. In the Finals, the Red Wings swept the [[Philadelphia Flyers]]. It was their first Stanley Cup since 1955, breaking the longest drought (42 years long) in the league at that time. [[Mike Vernon (ice hockey)|Mike Vernon]] was awarded the [[Conn Smythe Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Ansar|last=Khan|title=Red Wings relish memories of night they ended 42-year Stanley Cup drought in 1997|url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2012/06/red_wings_50.html|website=MLive|date=June 7, 2012|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927201405/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2012/06/red_wings_50.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Misfortune befell the Red Wings six days after their championship; defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov, one of the members of the "[[Russian Five]]", suffered a [[Traumatic brain injury|brain injury]] in a [[limousine]] accident, and his career came to an abrupt end.<ref name=Konstantinov/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/14/sports/two-red-wings-injured-one-seriously-in-crash.html|title=Two Red Wings Injured, One Seriously, in Crash|last=Lapointe|first=Joe|date=June 14, 1997|website=The New York Times|access-date=July 29, 2018|archive-date=January 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102060900/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/14/sports/two-red-wings-injured-one-seriously-in-crash.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="1998 Wings">{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Stubbs|title=1997-98 Red Wings voted No. 6 Greatest NHL Team|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/1998-detroit-red-wings-greatest-nhl-teams/c-289674486|publisher=National Hockey League|date=May 31, 2017|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220208/https://www.nhl.com/news/1998-detroit-red-wings-greatest-nhl-teams/c-289674486|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, the team dedicated the [[1997–98 NHL season|1997–98 season]] to him.<ref name="1998 Wings"/> The Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in four games, this time over the [[Washington Capitals]], and Konstantinov was brought onto the ice in his wheelchair so he could touch it.<ref name="1998 Wings"/>

====Superstar acquisitions and more success (1999–2006)====
The following season, the Red Wings appeared to be poised to win a third consecutive Stanley Cup when they acquired three-time [[Norris Trophy]] winner [[Chris Chelios]] from his hometown Chicago Blackhawks in March 1999.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jared|last=Clinton|title=Blackhawks rebuild began with botched Chelios trade that was never supposed to happen|url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/article/blackhawks-rebuild-began-with-botched-chelios-trade-which-was-never-supposed-to-happen|website=The Hockey News|date=November 27, 2014|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915023539/http://www.thehockeynews.com/news/article/blackhawks-rebuild-began-with-botched-chelios-trade-which-was-never-supposed-to-happen|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="1999 trades">{{cite web|first=Helene|last=Elliott|title=Red Wings Wheel and Make Deals|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-mar-24-sp-20551-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=March 24, 1999|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803232312/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-mar-24-sp-20551-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Also acquired at the trade deadline were defenseman [[Ulf Samuelsson]], winger [[Wendel Clark]], and goaltender [[Bill Ranford]].<ref name="1999 trades"/> Despite high aspirations, however, Detroit would end up losing in the conference semifinals to Colorado in six games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Avs End Wings' Cup Dreams|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/avs-end-wings-cup-dreams/|work=CBS News|date=May 18, 1999|access-date=September 14, 2017|archive-date=September 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915023259/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/avs-end-wings-cup-dreams/|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[1999–2000 NHL season|2000]], the Red Wings would finish second in the Central Division. Just like the previous season, however, they would lose to the Avalanche in the Western Conference semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web|title=1999-2000 NHL Hockey Standings|url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/1999|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=October 3, 2017|archive-date=September 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929183244/https://www.nhl.com/standings/1999|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Avalanche Rolls Over Red Wings|url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/avalanche-rolls-over-red-wings-1.281250|website=Newsday|agency=Associated Press|date=May 5, 2000|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=October 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003174624/http://www.newsday.com/sports/avalanche-rolls-over-red-wings-1.281250|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Stanley Cup Red Wings and Bush.jpg|thumb|The Red Wings were invited to the White House in November 2002, after winning the [[2002 Stanley Cup Finals|Stanley Cup]].]]
In [[2000–01 NHL season|2001]], Detroit, the NHL's second-best team in the regular season, were upset in the playoffs by the [[Los Angeles Kings]].<ref>{{cite web|title=2000-01 NHL Summary|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2001.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731235651/https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2001.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Thomas|last=LaRocca|title=Timeline: LAKings.com's Best of the 2000s|url=https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/timeline-lakings-coms-best-of-the-2000s/c-510646|website=NHL.com|publisher=Los Angeles Kings|date=December 20, 2009|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916010650/https://www.nhl.com/kings/news/timeline-lakings-coms-best-of-the-2000s/c-510646|url-status=live}}</ref> During the ensuing off-season, the team acquired goaltender [[Dominik Hašek|Dominik Hasek]] (the defending [[Vezina Trophy]] winner) and forwards [[Luc Robitaille]] and [[Brett Hull]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Hasek Traded to Red Wings|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jul-01-sp-17412-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press|date=July 1, 2001|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921044713/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jul-01-sp-17412-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Crowe|title=Robitaille Is Feeling Lucky|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-oct-20-sp-59525-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=October 20, 2001|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920185623/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-oct-20-sp-59525-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=HOCKEY; The Red Wings Sign Hull|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/23/sports/hockey-the-red-wings-sign-hull.html|website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=August 23, 2001|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916094803/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/23/sports/hockey-the-red-wings-sign-hull.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Russian prospect [[Pavel Datsyuk]] also joined the team.<ref>{{cite web|title=Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Pavel Datsyuk|url=http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=16510|website=Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916053357/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=16510|url-status=live}}</ref> Strengthened by the additions, the Red Wings posted the league's best record in the [[2001–02 NHL season|2001–02 regular season]] and defeated Colorado in seven games in the conference finals after beating the [[Vancouver Canucks]] and St. Louis Blues in rounds one and two.<ref name="2002 Wings">{{cite web|first=Wayne|last=Coffey|title=2001-02 Red Wings voted No. 10 Greatest NHL Team|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/2002-detroit-red-wings-greatest-nhl-teams/c-289645006|publisher=National Hockey League|date=May 29, 2017|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916052931/https://www.nhl.com/news/2002-detroit-red-wings-greatest-nhl-teams/c-289645006|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings then went on to capture another Stanley Cup, in five games, over the [[Carolina Hurricanes]], with Nicklas Lidstrom winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs' MVP.<ref name="2002 Wings"/> Bowman and Hasek both retired after the season.<ref>{{cite web|first=Lonnie|last=White|title=Bowman Goes Out on Top|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-14-sp-nhl14-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=June 14, 2002|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921034246/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-14-sp-nhl14-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Joe|last=Lapointe|title=HOCKEY; After Winning Cup, Hasek Leaves His Crease|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/26/sports/hockey-after-winning-cup-hasek-leaves-his-crease.html|website=The New York Times|date=June 26, 2002|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916095930/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/26/sports/hockey-after-winning-cup-hasek-leaves-his-crease.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 2002 off-season saw the Red Wings promote associate coach [[Dave Lewis (ice hockey)|Dave Lewis]] to the head coach position after Bowman's retirement.<ref>{{cite web|title=N.H.L.: ROUNDUP; Red Wings Sign Lewis To Succeed Bowman|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/18/sports/nhl-roundup-red-wings-sign-lewis-to-succeed-bowman.html|website=The New York Times|date=July 18, 2002|access-date=September 16, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916225604/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/18/sports/nhl-roundup-red-wings-sign-lewis-to-succeed-bowman.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the market for a new starting goaltender after Hasek's retirement, they signed [[Curtis Joseph]] from the Toronto Maple Leafs to a three-year, $24&nbsp;million deal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Wings sign goalie Joseph to three-year contract|url=http://a.espncdn.com/nhl/news/2002/0701/1401226.html|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 1, 2002|access-date=September 16, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916225358/http://a.espncdn.com/nhl/news/2002/0701/1401226.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Also new to the lineup was highly touted Swedish prospect [[Henrik Zetterberg]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Joe|last=Lapointe|title=HOCKEY; New Coach, With Classic Lines, Is Ready to Roll With Red Wings|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/09/sports/hockey-new-coach-with-classic-lines-is-ready-to-roll-with-red-wings.html|website=The New York Times|date=October 9, 2002|access-date=September 16, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916225639/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/09/sports/hockey-new-coach-with-classic-lines-is-ready-to-roll-with-red-wings.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings finished the season second in the Western Conference, which pitted them in the [[2003 Stanley Cup playoffs|2003 playoffs]] against the seventh-seeded Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.<ref>{{cite web|title=2002-2003 NHL Hockey Standings|url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/2002|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305204239/https://www.nhl.com/standings/2002|archive-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Detroit falls to second seed in West|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=230406004|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 6, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926205500/https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=230406004|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref><ref name=Ducks>{{cite web|title=Ducks-Red Wings Playoff History|url=https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/ducks-red-wings-playoff-history/c-469669|website=NHL.com|publisher=Anaheim Ducks|date=April 28, 2009|access-date=September 16, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916182721/https://www.nhl.com/ducks/news/ducks-red-wings-playoff-history/c-469669|url-status=live}}</ref> The Mighty Ducks shocked the ice hockey world when they swept the Red Wings in four games en route to a [[2003 Stanley Cup Finals|Stanley Cup Finals]] appearance.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ducks knock off defending champs in four games|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=230416025|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 21, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170303/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=230416025|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Devils dominant at home again to win Cup|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=230609011|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=June 10, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328191641/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=230609011|archive-date=March 28, 2019|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref>

In the off-season, long time Red Wing Fedorov signed with the Mighty Ducks as a free agent.<ref>{{cite web|title=HOCKEY; Fedorov Leaves Wings To Sign With Ducks|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/20/sports/hockey-fedorov-leaves-wings-to-sign-with-ducks.html|website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=July 20, 2003|access-date=September 16, 2017|archive-date=September 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917075701/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/20/sports/hockey-fedorov-leaves-wings-to-sign-with-ducks.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, Hasek opted to come out of retirement and join the Red Wings for the [[2003–04 NHL season|2003–04 season]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Diamos|title=HOCKEY; Hasek to Return to Red Wings|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/09/sports/hockey-hasek-to-return-to-red-wings.html|website=The New York Times|date=July 9, 2003|access-date=September 16, 2017|archive-date=December 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229190217/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/09/sports/hockey-hasek-to-return-to-red-wings.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Joseph, despite being one of the highest-paid players in the NHL, spent part of the season in the minor leagues.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Michael|last=Farber|title=Dominator Or Cujo? Detroit will have to find an ending to its goaltending soap opera by choosing Dominik Hasek or Curtis Joseph to lead its quest for the Stanley Cup|url=https://www.si.com/vault/2004/01/26/359599/dominator-or-cujo-detroit-will-have-to-find-an-ending-to-its-goaltending-soap-opera-by-choosing-dominik-hasek-or-curtis-joseph-to-lead-its-quest-for-the-stanley-cup|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=January 26, 2004|access-date=September 16, 2017|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916225422/https://www.si.com/vault/2004/01/26/359599/dominator-or-cujo-detroit-will-have-to-find-an-ending-to-its-goaltending-soap-opera-by-choosing-dominik-hasek-or-curtis-joseph-to-lead-its-quest-for-the-stanley-cup|url-status=live}}</ref> Hasek himself would be sidelined with a groin injury.<ref name=Hasek>{{cite web|title=Dominik Hasek returns to Detroit|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/dominik-hasek-returns-to-detroit-1.593847|website=CBC Sports|date=July 31, 2006|access-date=September 16, 2017|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925051139/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/dominik-hasek-returns-to-detroit-1.593847|url-status=live}}</ref> Notwithstanding, the Red Wings would finish atop of the Central Division and the NHL standings.<ref>{{cite web|title=2003-2004 NHL Hockey Standings|url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/2003|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922051649/https://www.nhl.com/standings/2003|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2003-04 NHL Summary|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2004.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 16, 2017|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419074415/https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2004.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings eliminated the [[Nashville Predators]] in six games in the first round of the [[2004 Stanley Cup playoffs|2004 playoffs]], which led to a second round match-up with the [[Calgary Flames]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Wings turn down Predators in noisy Music City|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20040417_DET@NSH|website=CBS Sports|date=April 17, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170336/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20040417_DET@NSH|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=December 23, 2019}}</ref> The teams split the first four games, and headed to Detroit for a pivotal Game 5, which the Red Wings lost 1–0.<ref>{{cite web|title=Conroy scores only goal of the game|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=240501005|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 1, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170304/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=240501005|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> They were then eliminated two nights later in Calgary by the same score in overtime.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Kreiser|title=Martin Gelinas made playoff history for Flames|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-centennial-martin-gelinas-made-playoff-history/c-289203126|publisher=National Hockey League|date=May 3, 2017|access-date=September 16, 2017|archive-date=November 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117233302/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-centennial-martin-gelinas-made-playoff-history/c-289203126|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings did not play in the [[2004–05 NHL season|2004–05 season]] due to the [[2004–05 NHL lockout|lockout]], which canceled the entire NHL season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lockout over salary cap shuts down NHL|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=1992793|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=February 16, 2005|access-date=January 10, 2019|archive-date=October 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029151835/http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=1992793|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Red Wings vs Blue Jackets.jpg|thumb|The Red Wings during a game in the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]]. They would go on to win that season's [[Presidents' Trophy]].]]
On July 15, 2005, [[Mike Babcock]], former head coach in Anaheim, became the new head coach for the Red Wings.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Kreiser|title=July 15: Red Wings hire Babcock|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/this-date-in-nhl-history-july-15/c-281139794|publisher=National Hockey League|date=July 15, 2017|access-date=September 17, 2017|archive-date=September 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918020839/https://www.nhl.com/news/this-date-in-nhl-history-july-15/c-281139794|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 21, 2005, defenseman [[Jiří Fischer|Jiri Fischer]] went into [[cardiac arrest]] and collapsed on the bench during a game against the Nashville Predators.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Wings player stable after collapse|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2005/11/21/red-wings-player-stable-after-collapse/|website=The Denver Post|agency=Associated Press|date=November 21, 2005|access-date=September 17, 2017|archive-date=September 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918022357/http://www.denverpost.com/2005/11/21/red-wings-player-stable-after-collapse/|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was canceled because of his injury and was made up on January 23, 2006.<ref name="make up">{{cite web|title=Up by one to start, Preds beat Wings in 'do-over' game|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=260123027|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 23, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170301/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=260123027|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> This was the first time in NHL history a game had been postponed due to an injury.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jared|last=Clinton|title=Blizzards and boxing: postponed games throughout the NHL's history|url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/article/blizzards-and-boxing-postponed-games-throughout-the-nhls-history|website=The Hockey News|date=November 21, 2014|access-date=September 17, 2017|archive-date=September 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918022035/http://www.thehockeynews.com/news/article/blizzards-and-boxing-postponed-games-throughout-the-nhls-history|url-status=live}}</ref> While the game was played for the full 60 minutes, the Predators were allowed to maintain their 1–0 lead from the original game and won 3–2.<ref name="make up"/> The Red Wings won the [[Presidents' Trophy]] with a 58–16–8 record, earning them 124 points and secured home ice advantage for the entire playoffs.<ref>{{cite web|title=2005-2006 NHL Hockey Standings|url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/2005|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=December 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221203249/https://www.nhl.com/standings/2005|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2005-06 NHL Summary|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2006.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 18, 2017|archive-date=May 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520143937/https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2006.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They opened the [[2006 Stanley Cup playoffs|2006 playoffs]] against the Edmonton Oilers with a 3–2 overtime victory at Joe Louis Arena, but the Oilers won four of the next five games to take the series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Maltby's second goal helps Wings nip Oilers in double OT|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=260421005|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 22, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170318/https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=260421005|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Oilers use four third-period goals to oust top-seeded Red Wings|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=260501006|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 2, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170255/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=260501006|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref>

Continuing the shakeup of the Red Wings roster, the off-season saw the departure of Brendan Shanahan, the return of Dominik Hasek and the retirement of Steve Yzerman.<ref name=Hasek/><ref>{{cite web|title=Shanahan agrees to deal with Rangers|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2514278|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 10, 2006|access-date=September 18, 2017|archive-date=September 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929183545/http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2514278|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Longtime Red Wings captain Yzerman retires|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2508103|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 3, 2006|access-date=September 18, 2017|archive-date=September 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929231315/http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2508103|url-status=live}}</ref> Yzerman retired with the distinction of having been the longest-serving team captain in NHL history.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Kreiser|title=Follow the leader: The NHL's 10 best captains|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/follow-the-leader-the-nhls-10-best-captains/c-640779|publisher=National Hockey League|date=September 1, 2012|access-date=September 18, 2017|archive-date=September 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929183554/https://www.nhl.com/news/follow-the-leader-the-nhls-10-best-captains/c-640779|url-status=live}}</ref>

===The "Euro-Twins" era (2006–2017)===
The Red Wings opened the [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07 season]] with Nicklas Lidstrom as the new captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lidstrom to reportedly replace Yzerman as captain|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2558523|work=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=August 25, 2006|access-date=September 18, 2017|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922051808/http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=2558523|url-status=live}}</ref> The team retired Yzerman's jersey number 19 on January 2, 2007.<ref name=Yzerman>{{cite web|title=Red Wings retire Yzerman's No. 19 jersey|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/red-wings-retire-yzermans-no-19-jersey/c-286520|website=NHL.com|agency=Associated Press|date=January 2, 2007|access-date=January 23, 2020|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310131601/https://www.nhl.com/news/red-wings-retire-yzermans-no-19-jersey/c-286520|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings finished first in the Western Conference and tied for first in the NHL with the [[Buffalo Sabres]], but the Sabres were awarded the Presidents' Trophy because they had more wins.<ref>{{cite web|title=2006-2007 NHL Hockey Standings|url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/2006|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922052044/https://www.nhl.com/standings/2006|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2006-07 NHL Summary|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2007.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 18, 2017|archive-date=May 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519192020/http://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2007.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Presidents Trophy Buffalo Bound|url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/presidents-trophy-buffalo-bound/c-437481|website=Sabres.com|date=April 7, 2007|access-date=September 18, 2017|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922051952/https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/presidents-trophy-buffalo-bound/c-437481|url-status=live}}</ref> Detroit advanced to the third round of the [[2007 Stanley Cup playoffs|2007 playoffs]] after defeating Calgary and the [[San Jose Sharks]] both in six games, coming back to win three-straight after the Sharks had a 2–1 series lead.<ref>{{cite web|title=Franzen's double-OT goal earns Red Wings spot in next round|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=270422003|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 23, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402080229/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=270422003|archive-date=April 2, 2019|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cheechoo's power-play goal lifts Sharks past Red Wings|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=270430018|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170327/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=270430018|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Samuelsson scores twice, Hasek blanks Sharks in Wings' clincher|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=270507018|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 8, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170250/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=270507018|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> The Red Wings would then lose to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks in the conference finals in six games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ducks win first Stanley Cup in franchise history|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=270606025|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=June 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718001256/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=270606025|archive-date=July 18, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Niklas Kronwall with Stanley Cup.jpg|thumb|[[Niklas Kronwall]] handed over the [[Stanley Cup]] to [[Jiří Hudler|Jiri Hudler]] after the Red Wings defeated the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] in the [[2008 Stanley Cup Finals]].]]
To start the 2007–08 campaign, Zetterberg recorded at least a point in each of Detroit's first 17 games, setting a club record.<ref>{{cite web|title=Perron scores twice in Blues' four-goal second period|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=271113019|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=November 13, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926205456/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=271113019|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> The Wings cruised to the playoffs, where they faced the Nashville Predators.<ref>{{cite web|title=2007-08 NHL Summary|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2008.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 19, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921000504/https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2008.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After goaltender Dominik Hasek played poorly in Games 3 and 4 of the series, both losses, head coach Mike Babcock replaced him with Chris Osgood.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wings seek net gains with Osgood|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/wings-seek-net-gains-with-osgood-1.764962|website=CBC Sports|date=April 18, 2008|access-date=September 19, 2017|archive-date=October 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022090206/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/wings-seek-net-gains-with-osgood-1.764962|url-status=live}}</ref> Osgood never left the net for the remainder of the playoffs, as the Red Wings came back in that series in six games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wings advance to Western semifinals after Osgood blanks Preds with 20 saves|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280420027|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926171839/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280420027|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> In the second round, they swept the Colorado Avalanche in four games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Wings finish off Avalanche|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-may-02-sp-nhl2-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=May 2, 2008|access-date=August 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821045023/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-may-02-sp-nhl2-story.html|archive-date=August 21, 2024}}</ref> They then went on to the [[2008 Stanley Cup Finals|Stanley Cup Finals]] after defeating the Dallas Stars in six games in the conference finals.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Wings fly toward Finals|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2008/05/19/red-wings-fly-toward-finals/|website=The Denver Post|agency=Associated Press|date=May 19, 2008|access-date=August 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520202959/https://www.denverpost.com/2008/05/19/red-wings-fly-toward-finals/|archive-date=May 20, 2018}}</ref> The Red Wings won the Stanley Cup against the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] in Game 6 on June 4, 2008, by the score of 3–2. This was the Red Wings' fourth Stanley Cup in 11 years and their 11th overall in franchise history.<ref name="2008 Wings">{{cite web|first=Ansar|last=Khan|title=Red Wings win Game 6, capture Stanley Cup|url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2008/06/detroit_red_wings_3_pittsburgh_1.html|website=MLive|date=June 4, 2008|access-date=September 19, 2017|archive-date=September 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927213544/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2008/06/detroit_red_wings_3_pittsburgh_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Zetterberg scored the winning goal in the decisive game, and was also named the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.<ref name="2008 Wings"/> Lidstrom became the first non-North American player to captain a Stanley Cup-winning team.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Khan|title=Red Wings' Lidstrom becomes first European captain to win Stanley Cup|url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2008/06/lidstrom_becomes_first_europea.html|website=MLive|date=June 4, 2008|access-date=September 19, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921001709/http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2008/06/lidstrom_becomes_first_europea.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 2, 2008, the Red Wings announced the signing of [[Marián Hossa|Marian Hossa]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Hossa signs one-year deal with Stanley Cup champs|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3470849|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 2, 2008|access-date=September 20, 2017|archive-date=September 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920190811/http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3470849|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 1, 2009, the Red Wings played the Chicago Blackhawks in the second [[2009 NHL Winter Classic|NHL Winter Classic]] at Chicago's [[Wrigley Field]], defeating them 6–4.<ref>{{cite web|first=Pat|last=Borzi|title=Red Wings Dominate Blackhawks at Frigid Wrigley Field|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/02/sports/hockey/02wrigley.html|website=The New York Times|date=January 1, 2009|access-date=September 20, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921002007/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/02/sports/hockey/02wrigley.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Although they finished second in the conference to the San Jose Sharks, the Wings became the first team in NHL history to top 100 points in nine straight seasons.<ref>{{cite web|title=2008-09 NHL Summary|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2009.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|access-date=September 19, 2017|archive-date=September 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920191017/https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_2009.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Roose|title=Wings set new standard for 100-point seasons|url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/wings-set-new-standard-for-100-point-seasons/c-467737|website=Detroit Red Wings|date=March 16, 2009|access-date=September 20, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921000512/https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/wings-set-new-standard-for-100-point-seasons/c-467737|url-status=live}}</ref> In the playoffs, the Red Wings swept the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]], then defeated the eighth-seeded Anaheim Ducks in a hard-fought seven-game series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Wings score on power play in final minute to finish off Blue Jackets|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290423029|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926171841/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290423029|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cleary's late goal ends Ducks' rally as Red Wings advance to West finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290514005|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170234/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290514005|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> They took on the vastly improved Chicago Blackhawks in the conference finals, winning in five games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Helm goal lifts Red Wings into Stanley Cup finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290527005|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170338/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290527005|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> The Red Wings would face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Finals for a second consecutive year, but this series would feature a different outcome as the Penguins defeated the Red Wings in seven games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fleury robs Wings in final seconds to secure Stanley Cup for underdog Penguins|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290612005|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=June 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613150223/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290612005|archive-date=June 13, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> The Red Wings became only the second NHL team to lose the Stanley Cup at home in Game 7.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Kreiser|title=Game 7 history isn't on Penguins' side|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/game-7-history-isnt-on-penguins-side/c-280797660|publisher=National Hockey League|date=May 25, 2016|access-date=September 20, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921001513/https://www.nhl.com/news/game-7-history-isnt-on-penguins-side/c-280797660|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Red Wings began the [[2009–10 NHL season]] in [[Stockholm]], losing both games to the St. Louis Blues 4–3 and 5–3, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|title=Blues sweep Wings in Stockholm|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/blues-sweep-wings-in-stockholm-1.813064|website=CBC Sports|agency=Associated Press|date=October 3, 2009|access-date=September 20, 2017|archive-date=October 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010051542/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/blues-sweep-wings-in-stockholm-1.813064|url-status=live}}</ref> They were plagued by injuries throughout the season and lost the second most man games to injury, with only the last place Edmonton Oilers losing more.<ref name=Injuries>{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Burnside|title=Red Wings: 10 Things You Need To Know|url=http://www.espn.com/nhl/preview2010/team/_/name/det|work=ESPN.com|date=October 4, 2010|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921192943/http://www.espn.com/nhl/preview2010/team/_/name/det|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Edmonton Oilers Injury Report 2009-10|url=https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/edmonton-oilers-injury-report-2009-10/c-430126|website=Edmonton Oilers|date=April 11, 2010|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921192715/https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/edmonton-oilers-injury-report-2009-10/c-430126|url-status=live}}</ref> The beginning of the season was a struggle for the Red Wings, with key players out of the lineup, including Zetterberg, [[Tomas Holmström|Tomas Holmstrom]], [[Johan Franzén|Johan Franzen]], [[Valtteri Filppula]] and [[Niklas Kronwall]].<ref name=Injuries/> After the Olympic break, Detroit posted a record of 13–3–2 and earned 28 points, the most by any team in the NHL.<ref>{{cite web|first=Pierre|last=LeBrun|title=Why you can't ignore second-half numbers|url=http://www.espn.com/nhl/blog/_/name/lebrun_pierre/id/5079099/pierre-lebrun-blog-revisiting-second-half-records-playoffs-loom|work=ESPN.com|date=April 5, 2010|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922050756/http://www.espn.com/nhl/blog/_/name/lebrun_pierre/id/5079099/pierre-lebrun-blog-revisiting-second-half-records-playoffs-loom|url-status=dead}}</ref> This run helped them secure the fifth playoff seed in the Western Conference. This, however, was the first time the Red Wings did not have home ice advantage in a playoff series in ten seasons.<ref>{{cite web|title=2009-2010 NHL Hockey Standings|url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/2009|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=September 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915160252/https://www.nhl.com/standings/2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Ansar |title=Red Wings prepare for the unusual: opening playoffs on the road |url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2010/04/red_wings_prepare_for_opening.html |access-date=March 6, 2025 |website=mlive |date=April 11, 2010}}</ref> Detroit won their first-round playoff series over the [[Arizona Coyotes|Phoenix Coyotes]] in seven games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Coyotes' dream season ends as Red Wings roll on with rout|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=300427024|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170329/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=300427024|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> In the second round, they would be defeated by the San Jose Sharks in five games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Marleau, Thornton punch Sharks' ticket for conference finals|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=300508018|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170258/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=300508018|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Nicklas Lidstrom 2010-01-31.JPG|thumb|left|upright|[[Nicklas Lidström|Nicklas Lidstrom]] during the [[2009–10 NHL season|2009–10 season]]. Named captain in 2006, he maintained the position until his retirement in 2012.]]
A healthier Red Wings team finished the [[2010–11 NHL season]] with a 47–25–10 record and 104 points to win the Central Division title.<ref>{{cite web|title=2010-2011 NHL Hockey Standings|url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/2010|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922195401/https://www.nhl.com/standings/2010|url-status=live}}</ref> They once again faced the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round of the playoffs, this time sweeping them 4–0.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Marshall|title=Red Wings win 6-3, finish sweep of Coyotes|url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/red-wings-win---finish-sweep-of-coyotes/article_6dd83294-11bb-557c-a178-266d9714a435.html|website=The Oakland Press|date=April 21, 2011|access-date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=September 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927050200/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/red-wings-win---finish-sweep-of-coyotes/article_6dd83294-11bb-557c-a178-266d9714a435.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Red Wings then went on to face the Sharks in round two. After losing the first three games of the series, the Red Wings won three consecutive games to force a Game 7, becoming just the eighth team in NHL history to accomplish the feat.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Wings score three in the 3rd period to force Game 7|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=310510005|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926205450/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=310510005|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Noah|last=Trister|title=Red Wings force Game 7 after being down 3-0 to Sharks|url=https://nypost.com/2011/05/11/red-wings-force-game-7-after-being-down-3-0-to-sharks/|website=New York Post|agency=Associated Press|date=May 11, 2011|access-date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922195723/http://nypost.com/2011/05/11/red-wings-force-game-7-after-being-down-3-0-to-sharks/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings lost Game 7 to the Sharks by a score of 3–2 and were eliminated.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sharks hold off Red Wings in Game 7, reach West final|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20110512_DET@SJ|website=CBS Sports|date=May 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170319/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20110512_DET@SJ|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=December 23, 2019}}</ref>

During the 2011 off-season, Red Wings defenseman [[Brian Rafalski]] retired.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Wings' Brian Rafalski retires|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=6587379|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=May 25, 2011|access-date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923095704/http://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=6587379|url-status=live}}</ref> Detroit soon signed free agent defenseman [[Ian White (ice hockey)|Ian White]] to take his place.<ref>{{cite web|title=Detroit Red Wings sign veteran defenceman Ian White to two-year contract|url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/article/detroit-red-wings-sign-veteran-defenceman-ian-white-to-two-year-contract|website=The Hockey News|date=July 2, 2011|access-date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923095455/http://www.thehockeynews.com/news/article/detroit-red-wings-sign-veteran-defenceman-ian-white-to-two-year-contract|url-status=live}}</ref> Long-time Red Wings Chris Osgood and [[Kris Draper]] also announced their retirement from hockey, with both soon taking positions within the club.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chris Osgood retires with 401 wins|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/6783760/chris-osgood-detroit-red-wings-retires-nhl|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=July 19, 2011|access-date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923051005/http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/6783760/chris-osgood-detroit-red-wings-retires-nhl|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Detroit's Kris Draper Retires|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/27/sports/hockey/detroits-kris-draper-retires.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/27/sports/hockey/detroits-kris-draper-retires.html |archive-date=January 1, 2022 |url-access=limited|website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=July 26, 2011|access-date=September 22, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Detroit signed goaltender [[Ty Conklin]] for his second stint with the team.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ansar|last=Khan|title=Red Wings agree to one-year contract with Ty Conklin to back up Jimmy Howard|url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2011/07/red_wings_agree_to_one-year_co.html|website=MLive|date=July 20, 2011|access-date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118113957/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2011/07/red_wings_agree_to_one-year_co.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Tragedy struck the organization and the rest of the NHL with the [[2011 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash]], which killed former Red Wings assistant coach [[Brad McCrimmon]] and defenseman [[Ruslan Salei]], who had joined [[Lokomotiv Yaroslavl|the KHL team]] during the summer. [[Stefan Liv]], a former Red Wings goaltending prospect, was also among the fatalities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Russian jet carrying Lokomotiv of KHL crashes, 43 dead|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/6939064/russian-jet-carrying-lokomotiv-khl-crashes-43-dead|work=ESPN.com|agency=ESPN.com news services|date=September 8, 2011|access-date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923050712/http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/6939064/russian-jet-carrying-lokomotiv-khl-crashes-43-dead|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Victims of 2011 Lokomotiv plane crash|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/victims-of-2011-lokomotiv-plane-crash/c-640860|publisher=National Hockey League|date=September 7, 2012|access-date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923050813/https://www.nhl.com/news/victims-of-2011-lokomotiv-plane-crash/c-640860|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings then added a patch to the left arm of their uniforms with the trio's initials.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Wings Offer Special Jersey Patch To Honor Fallen Players|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/red-wings-offer-special-jersey-patch-to-honor-fallen-players/|website=CBS Detroit|date=November 15, 2011|access-date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=November 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103000905/https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/red-wings-offer-special-jersey-patch-to-honor-fallen-players/|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the season, the Red Wings won an NHL-record 23 consecutive home games.<ref name="Home streak">{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Roose|title=Streak comes to disappointing end|url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/streak-comes-to-disappointing-end/c-618567|website=Detroit Red Wings|date=February 23, 2012|access-date=October 5, 2017|archive-date=October 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006012251/https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/streak-comes-to-disappointing-end/c-618567|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Jeff Z.|last=Klein|title=In a First-Rate Thriller, a Record Streak Ends|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/24/sports/hockey/red-wings-23-game-home-winning-streak-is-ended.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/24/sports/hockey/red-wings-23-game-home-winning-streak-is-ended.html |archive-date=January 1, 2022 |url-access=limited|website=The New York Times|date=February 23, 2012|access-date=September 22, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Red Wings also made the NHL playoffs, extending their streak of 21-straight playoff appearances, as the fifth seed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wings clinch playoff berth for team-best 21st straight year with rout|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047874|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=March 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170237/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047874|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2011-2012 NHL Hockey Standings|url=https://www.nhl.com/standings/2011|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=September 22, 2017|archive-date=July 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701055552/https://www.nhl.com/standings/2011|url-status=live}}</ref> They were defeated in five games by their opening round opponent, the Nashville Predators.<ref>{{cite web|title=David Legwand, Predators top Red Wings in five games|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400259148|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170334/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400259148|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> On May 31, 2012, Nicklas Lidstrom retired.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hedger|first=Brian|title=Seven-time Norris Trophy winner Lidstrom retires|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/seven-time-norris-trophy-winner-lidstrom-retires/c-633292|publisher=National Hockey League|date=May 31, 2012|access-date=May 31, 2012|archive-date=March 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311131641/https://www.nhl.com/news/seven-time-norris-trophy-winner-lidstrom-retires/c-633292|url-status=live}}</ref>

Zetterberg was named successor to Lidstrom as team captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Red Wings name Henrik Zetterberg as captain|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/red-wings-name-henrik-zetterberg-as-captain/c-650507|publisher=National Hockey League|date=January 15, 2013|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924044920/https://www.nhl.com/news/red-wings-name-henrik-zetterberg-as-captain/c-650507|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 1, 2012, the first day of the NHL free agency period, the Red Wings signed Swiss forward [[Damien Brunner]] to a one-year, entry-level contract; forward [[Jordin Tootoo]] to a three-year, $5.7&nbsp;million contract; and goaltender [[Jonas Gustavsson]] to a two-year, $3&nbsp;million deal.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ansar|last=Khan|title=Red Wings' Mike Babcock high on Damien Brunner, views him as a top-six forward right away|url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2012/06/red_wings_coach_mike_babcock_h.html|website=MLive|date=June 23, 2012|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812215533/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2012/06/red_wings_coach_mike_babcock_h.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ansar|last=Khan|title=Red Wings sign disturber Jordin Tootoo to three-year deal worth $1.9 million per season|url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2012/07/red_wings_sign_disturber_jordi.html|website=MLive|date=July 1, 2012|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124042419/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2012/07/red_wings_sign_disturber_jordi.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Jeff|last=Hancock|title=Monster in Motown: Red Wings sign Jonas Gustavsson|url=https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2012/7/1/3130024/monster-in-motown-red-wings-sign-jonas-gustavsson|website=Winging It In Motown|date=July 1, 2012|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924044926/https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2012/7/1/3130024/monster-in-motown-red-wings-sign-jonas-gustavsson|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Holland Zetterberg Babcock.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ken Holland]] and [[Mike Babcock]] named [[Henrik Zetterberg]] as the team captain in 2013.]]
The team won their final four games of the [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13 season]] to earn the seventh seed of the playoffs. The Red Wings' 3–0 victory over the Dallas Stars on April 27, 2013, preserved their streak of 22 consecutive playoff appearances. As the seventh seed in the [[2013 Stanley Cup playoffs|2013 playoffs]], the Red Wings faced the second-seeded Anaheim Ducks.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ansar|last=Khan|title=Red Wings in playoffs for 22nd consecutive season after beating Dallas, 3-0, will face Anaheim|url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2013/04/red_wings_in_playoffs_for_22nd.html|website=MLive|date=April 27, 2013|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=September 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927202344/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2013/04/red_wings_in_playoffs_for_22nd.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They survived a fierce battle that included four overtime games, winning the series 4–3 after a 3–2 Game 7 victory in Anaheim.<ref>{{cite news|first=Brian|last=Stubits|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/eye-on-hockey/22229812/red-wings-advance-past-ducks-as-veterans-lead-way-in-game-7|title=Red Wings advance past Ducks as veterans lead way in Game 7|work=CBSSports.com|date=May 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205102755/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/22229812/red-wings-advance-past-ducks-as-veterans-lead-way-in-game-7|archive-date=February 5, 2016|access-date=December 23, 2019}}</ref> The next round pitted the Red Wings against the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks. Despite jumping out to a 3–1 series lead, the Red Wings would ultimately lose to the eventual Stanley Cup champions in seven games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hawks eliminate Wings in OT, advance to Western finals|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20130529_DET@CHI|website=CBS Sports|agency=CBSSports.com wire reports|date=May 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309023839/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20130529_DET@CHI|archive-date=March 9, 2017|access-date=December 23, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Blackhawks mount furious rally to win Stanley Cup|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20130624_CHI@BOS/blackhawks-mount-furious-rally-to-win-stanley-cup|website=CBS Sports|date=June 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170328/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20130624_CHI@BOS/blackhawks-mount-furious-rally-to-win-stanley-cup|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=December 23, 2019}}</ref>

On July 5, 2013, the Red Wings signed long time [[Ottawa Senators]] captain [[Daniel Alfredsson]] to a one-year contract and long time [[Florida Panthers|Florida Panther]] [[Stephen Weiss]] to a five-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Rosen|title=Alfredsson leaves Ottawa, signs with Detroit|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alfredsson-leaves-ottawa-signs-with-detroit/c-676657|publisher=National Hockey League|date=July 5, 2013|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923193906/https://www.nhl.com/news/alfredsson-leaves-ottawa-signs-with-detroit/c-676657|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Brian|last=Stubits|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/stephen-weiss-joining-red-wings-with-five-year-contract/|title=Stephen Weiss joining Red Wings with five-year contract|website=CBS Sports|date=July 5, 2013|access-date=January 19, 2015|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923194148/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/stephen-weiss-joining-red-wings-with-five-year-contract/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14 season]], the Red Wings moved to the [[Atlantic Division (NHL)|Atlantic Division]] of the [[Eastern Conference (NHL)|Eastern Conference]] as part of the NHL's realignment. The move to the Eastern Conference allowed them to play a majority of their games against teams in the [[Eastern Time Zone]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Realignment plan approved by Board of Governors|url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/realignment-plan-approved-by-board-of-governors/c-660140|website=Detroit Red Wings|date=March 14, 2013|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021213858/https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/realignment-plan-approved-by-board-of-governors/c-660140|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Roose|title=Red Wings unveil 2013-14 schedule|url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-unveil-2013-14-schedule/c-678198|website=Detroit Red Wings|date=July 19, 2013|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923193901/https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-unveil-2013-14-schedule/c-678198|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 9, 2014, the Red Wings clinched their 23rd consecutive playoff appearance.<ref>{{cite web|first=Alex|last=DiFilippo|title=Wings secure 23rd straight playoff spot|url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/wings-secure-23rd-straight-playoff-spot/c-713754|website=Detroit Red Wings|date=April 10, 2010|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923193936/https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/wings-secure-23rd-straight-playoff-spot/c-713754|url-status=live}}</ref> They would be eliminated in the first round by the Boston Bruins.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bruins eliminate Red Wings, advance to face Canadiens|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20140426_DET@BOS|website=CBS Sports|date=April 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170316/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20140426_DET@BOS|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=December 23, 2019}}</ref>

On April 9, 2015, the Red Wings clinched their 24th consecutive playoff appearance, thus extending their streak.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wings secure 24th straight playoff berth|url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/wings-secure-24th-straight-playoff-berth/c-762381|website=Detroit Red Wings|date=April 9, 2015|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924044841/https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/wings-secure-24th-straight-playoff-berth/c-762381|url-status=live}}</ref> The team was eliminated in the first round by the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]]. [[Petr Mrázek|Petr Mrazek]] had earned the starting goaltender role from [[Jimmy Howard]], and Kronwall was suspended for Game 7 as Tampa Bay erased a 3–2 deficit to win the series.<ref>{{cite web|first=Helene|last=St. James|title=Helene St. James: Mike Babcock picking Petr Mrazek proves players decide playoff ice-time|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2015/04/13/detroit-red-wings-goaltending-playoffs/25747137/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 13, 2015|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923200937/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2015/04/13/detroit-red-wings-goaltending-playoffs/25747137/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ben Bishop has 31 saves as Lightning bury Red Wings on 2 late goals|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400790532|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=April 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170255/http://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400790532|archive-date=September 26, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> Mike Babcock, concluding the final year of his contract, left the Red Wings to become the new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mike Babcock hired by Maple Leafs as coach|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/mike-babcock-hired-by-maple-leafs-as-coach/c-768357|publisher=National Hockey League|date=May 20, 2015|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=August 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804013238/https://www.nhl.com/news/mike-babcock-hired-by-maple-leafs-as-coach/c-768357|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jeff Blashill]], head coach of the Red Wings' top minor league affiliate, the [[Grand Rapids Griffins]], was named his successor on June 9.<ref>{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Harris|title=Detroit Red Wings hire Jeff Blashill as coach|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/detroit-red-wings-hire-jeff-blashill-as-coach/c-770324|publisher=National Hockey League|date=June 9, 2015|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923194005/https://www.nhl.com/news/detroit-red-wings-hire-jeff-blashill-as-coach/c-770324|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 9, 2016, despite the Red Wings losing 3–2 to the New York Rangers, the Ottawa Senators defeated the Boston Bruins 6–1 as the Red Wings narrowly made the playoffs and extended their streak to a 25th season.<ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Peters|title=Red Wings clinch 25th consecutive postseason berth despite loss|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/red-wings-clinch-25th-consecutive-postseason-berth-despite-loss/|website=CBS Sports|date=April 9, 2016|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924001530/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/red-wings-clinch-25th-consecutive-postseason-berth-despite-loss/|url-status=live}}</ref> They would lose in the first round to the Lightning again, this time in five games.<ref>{{cite web|first=Helene|last=St. James|title=T.B. 1, Detroit 0: Red Wings struck down by Lightning in five games|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2016/04/21/detroit-red-wings-tampa-bay-lightning-game-5/83367118/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 22, 2016|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924061901/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2016/04/21/detroit-red-wings-tampa-bay-lightning-game-5/83367118/|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the off-season, Datsyuk decided to return to Russia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Datsyuk leaving Red Wings to play in Russia|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/pavel-datsyuk-leaving-red-wings-to-play-in-russia/c-280994594|website=NHL.com|date=June 18, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2021|archive-date=June 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620215832/https://www.nhl.com/news/pavel-datsyuk-leaving-red-wings-to-play-in-russia/c-280994594|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 10, 2017, club owner Mike Ilitch died.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rehbein|first1=Matt|title=Little Caesars founder Mike Ilitch dies at 87|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/11/us/mike-ilitch-little-caesars-founder-obit/|work=CNN|access-date=February 16, 2017|date=February 11, 2017|archive-date=February 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216213719/http://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/11/us/mike-ilitch-little-caesars-founder-obit/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings' playoff streak ended after 25 seasons in the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{cite web|last1=St. James|first1=Helene|title=Red Wings' playoff streak officially ends tonight|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2017/03/28/detroit-red-wings-playoff-streak-snapped/99762762/|website=Detroit Free Press|access-date=March 31, 2017|date=March 28, 2017|archive-date=March 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331193433/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2017/03/28/detroit-red-wings-playoff-streak-snapped/99762762/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings won their last game at Joe Louis Arena 4–1 on April 9, 2017, against the New Jersey Devils.<ref>{{cite web|last1=St. James|first1=Helene|title=Red Wings fly past Devils, 4-1; 'a perfect end' for Joe Louis Arena|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2017/04/09/detroit-red-wings-joe-louis-arena/100256168/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 9, 2017|access-date=September 23, 2017|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923215455/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2017/04/09/detroit-red-wings-joe-louis-arena/100256168/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===The opening of Little Caesars Arena and rebuilding (2017–present)===
[[File:Interior of little Caesars arena panorama.jpg|thumb|Interior of Little Caesars Arena in September 2017. The Red Wings played their first regular season game at the arena a month later.]]
The Red Wings played their first regular season game at [[Little Caesars Arena]] on October 5, 2017, winning 4–2 over the [[Minnesota Wild]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Ted|last=Kulfan|title=Pizza party: Wings christen LCA era with 'special' win|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2017/10/05/house-warming-party-wings-christen-lca-era-win/106352478/|website=The Detroit News|date=October 5, 2017|access-date=October 6, 2017|archive-date=October 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006212415/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2017/10/05/house-warming-party-wings-christen-lca-era-win/106352478/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings finished the 2017–18 season with a 30–39–13 record. They missed the playoffs for the second season in a row, marking the first time since the early 1980s the team missed the playoffs in consecutive years.<ref>{{cite web|first=Helene|last=St. James|title=Detroit Red Wings lose finale against N.Y. Islanders, 4-3, in overtime|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2018/04/07/detroit-red-wings-new-york-islander/495796002/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 7, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418031532/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2018/04/07/detroit-red-wings-new-york-islander/495796002/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ansar|last=Khan|title=Detroit Red Wings lose finale against N.Y. Islanders, 4-3, in overtime|url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2018/03/red_wings-capitals_3.html|website=MLive|date=March 22, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2018|quote=The Red Wings hadn't missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since they failed to qualify five years in a row from 1979-83. It is the first time they have missed two years in a row under the Ilitch ownership.|archive-date=August 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827061959/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2018/03/red_wings-capitals_3.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings finished the 2018–19 season with a 32–40–10 record, missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ansar|last=Khan|title=Red Wings blown out in finale, have 9.5 percent chance at top pick|url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2019/04/red-wings-blown-out-in-finale-have-95-percent-chance-at-top-pick.html|website=MLive|date=April 6, 2019|access-date=April 7, 2019|archive-date=April 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408034622/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2019/04/red-wings-blown-out-in-finale-have-95-percent-chance-at-top-pick.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 19, 2019, the Red Wings announced that [[Steve Yzerman]] rejoined the team as general manager and executive vice president.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ted|last=Kulfan|title=The Captain's back! Steve Yzerman comes full-circle as Red Wings' new GM|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2019/04/19/red-wings-announce-news-conference-friday-steve-yzerman/3517801002/|website=The Detroit News|date=April 19, 2019|access-date=April 19, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419104622/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2019/04/19/red-wings-announce-news-conference-friday-steve-yzerman/3517801002/|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 21, 2020, the Red Wings became the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention before the [[trade deadline]] since the [[2003–04 Pittsburgh Penguins season|2003–04 Pittsburgh Penguins]].<ref>{{multiref2
|1={{cite web|first=Brian|last=Compton|title=Eberle hat trick helps Islanders eliminate Red Wings in return home|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/detroit-red-wings-new-york-islanders-game-recap/c-315342964|website=NHL.com|date=February 22, 2020|access-date=March 8, 2020|archive-date=March 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320013257/https://www.nhl.com/news/detroit-red-wings-new-york-islanders-game-recap/c-315342964|url-status=live}}
|2={{cite web|first=James|last=O'Brien|title=Red Wings already eliminated from playoffs|url=https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2020/02/22/red-wings-eliminated-from-playoffs-before-nhl-trade-deadline-pht-buzzer/|website=NBC Sports|date=February 22, 2020|access-date=March 8, 2020|archive-date=February 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222173558/https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2020/02/22/red-wings-eliminated-from-playoffs-before-nhl-trade-deadline-pht-buzzer/|url-status=live}}
|3={{Cite web |last=Jarden |first=Sam |date=February 22, 2020 |title=Detroit Red Wings approach trade deadline already eliminated from playoff contention |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/detroit-red-wings-mathematically-eliminated-from-playoffs/55zilnxltt7r11mbomujppi0z |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=The Sporting News |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127202208/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/detroit-red-wings-mathematically-eliminated-from-playoffs/55zilnxltt7r11mbomujppi0z |url-status=live}}
|4={{Cite web |last=Kulfan |first=Ted |title=Red Wings sunk by Islanders, officially eliminated from playoffs |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/02/21/red-wings-steamrolled-islanders-officially-eliminated-playoffs/4831257002/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=The Detroit News |archive-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906160258/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/02/21/red-wings-steamrolled-islanders-officially-eliminated-playoffs/4831257002/ |url-status=live}}
|5={{Cite web |last=James |first=Helene St |title=Detroit Red Wings' elimination from playoffs stings harder this year. Here's why |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/02/22/detroit-red-wings-eliminated-from-playoffs/4836759002/ |access-date=September 6, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |archive-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906160258/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/02/22/detroit-red-wings-eliminated-from-playoffs/4836759002/ |url-status=live}}
}}</ref> On March 10, 2020, the Red Wings clinched the worst overall record in NHL for the first time since the 1985–86 season.<ref>{{multiref2
|1={{cite web|first1=Arthur J.|last1=Regner|first2=Dana|last2=Wakiji|title=Trending: Red Wings overpowered by Hurricanes, 5-2|url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/trending-red-wings-overpowered-by-hurricanes-5-2/c-316106036|website=NHL.com|date=March 10, 2020|access-date=March 11, 2020|archive-date=March 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311121219/https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/trending-red-wings-overpowered-by-hurricanes-5-2/c-316106036|url-status=live}}
|2={{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Ansar |date=March 11, 2020 |title=Red Wings clinch worst record in NHL with loss to Carolina |url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2020/03/special-teams-doom-red-wings-again-in-loss-to-carolina.html |access-date=September 6, 2023 |website=MLive |archive-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906151512/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2020/03/special-teams-doom-red-wings-again-in-loss-to-carolina.html |url-status=live}}
|3={{Cite web |last=James |first=Helene St |title=Detroit Red Wings clinch last place in NHL with 5-2 loss to Carolina Hurricanes |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/03/10/detroit-red-wings-game-score-carolina-hurricanes/5008850002/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=Detroit Free Press |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127231729/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/03/10/detroit-red-wings-game-score-carolina-hurricanes/5008850002/ |url-status=live}}
|4={{Cite web |date=March 11, 2020 |title=Red Wings fall to Hurricanes, clinch last place finish in NHL |url=https://www.wxyz.com/sports/red-wings-fall-to-hurricanes-clinch-last-place-finish-in-nhl |access-date=January 27, 2024 |website=WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127231650/https://www.wxyz.com/sports/red-wings-fall-to-hurricanes-clinch-last-place-finish-in-nhl |url-status=live}}
}}</ref> On March 12, the [[2019–20 NHL season|2019–20 season]] was suspended by the NHL due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|title=NHL pauses regular season because of coronavirus|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-coronavirus-status/c-316155530|website=NHL.com|date=March 12, 2020|access-date=March 12, 2020|archive-date=March 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322085521/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-coronavirus-status/c-316155530|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 26, 2020, the NHL announced that the rest of the season was over for the seven teams that did not qualify for the 24-team Stanley Cup playoffs, which included the Red Wings.<ref>{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Gulitti|title=NHL plans to return with 24-team Stanley Cup Playoffs|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-plans-to-return-with-24-team-stanley-cup-playoffs/c-317031010|website=NHL.com|date=May 26, 2020|access-date=May 26, 2020|archive-date=May 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527001941/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-plans-to-return-with-24-team-stanley-cup-playoffs/c-317031010|url-status=live}}</ref> With a record of 17–49–5, this was the first time since the 1985–86 season that the Red Wings finished with fewer than 20 wins.<ref>{{cite web|first=Dave Jr.|last=Bartkowiak|title=Red Wings' historically bad season officially cut short -- here's what's next|url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/local/2020/05/27/red-wings-historically-bad-season-officially-cut-short-heres-whats-next/|website=ClickOnDetroit.com|date=May 27, 2020|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=June 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620104947/https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/local/2020/05/27/red-wings-historically-bad-season-officially-cut-short-heres-whats-next/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ted|last=Kulfan|title=Detroit Red Wings' season over, NHL moves ahead with 24-team playoff|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/05/26/gary-bettman-set-formally-announce-nhls-return-play-plan/5259852002/|website=The Detroit News|date=May 26, 2020|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702211000/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/05/26/gary-bettman-set-formally-announce-nhls-return-play-plan/5259852002/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings also became the second team since the 2004–05 NHL lockout, and the subsequent start of the [[salary cap]] era, to finish with a sub-.300 points percentage, along with the [[2016–17 Colorado Avalanche season|2016–17 Colorado Avalanche]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Beneteau|title=What Red Wings can learn from other bad teams in salary cap era|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/red-wings-can-learn-bad-teams-salary-cap-era/|website=Sportsnet|date=March 25, 2020|access-date=June 26, 2020|archive-date=June 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629142002/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/red-wings-can-learn-bad-teams-salary-cap-era/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Points percentage">{{cite web|title=Lowest Points Percentage, Season|url=https://records.nhl.com/records/team-records/standings-points/worst-points-pctg-season|website=NHL.com|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=May 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502121413/https://records.nhl.com/records/team-records/standings-points/worst-points-pctg-season|url-status=live}}</ref> Their .275 points percentage was the worst for an NHL team since the [[1999–2000 Atlanta Thrashers season|1999–2000 Atlanta Thrashers]].<ref name="Points percentage"/>

[[Dylan Larkin]] was named the Red Wings captain on January 13, 2021, who succeeded Henrik Zetterberg following his retirement in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |last1=James |first1=Helene St |title=Detroit Red Wings name Dylan Larkin the team's 37th captain |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2021/01/13/detroit-red-wings-dylan-larkin-captain/6593849002/ |website=Detroit Free Press |access-date=January 18, 2021 |date=January 13, 2021 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114043704/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2021/01/13/detroit-red-wings-dylan-larkin-captain/6593849002/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 26, the Red Wings were eliminated from playoff contention for the fifth consecutive season.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ansar|last=Khan|title=Red Wings-Blue Jackets matchups have draft lottery implications|url=https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2021/04/red-wings-blue-jackets-matchups-have-draft-lottery-implications.html|website=MLive|date=April 27, 2021|access-date=May 9, 2021|archive-date=May 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501015944/https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2021/04/red-wings-blue-jackets-matchups-have-draft-lottery-implications.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They would ultimately finish with a 19–27–10 record.<ref>{{cite web|first=Helene|last=St. James|title=Detroit Red Wings lose high-scoring season finale to Columbus in overtime, 5-4|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2021/05/08/red-wings-lose-high-scoring-season-finale-columbus-overtime-5-4/5004461001/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=May 8, 2021|access-date=May 9, 2021|archive-date=May 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509043757/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2021/05/08/red-wings-lose-high-scoring-season-finale-columbus-overtime-5-4/5004461001/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings finished the 2021–22 season at 32–40–10. They missed the playoff for the sixth consecutive season.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ted|last=Kulfan|title=Red Wings end season with victory, as coach Jeff Blashill's future becomes main topic|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2022/04/29/detroit-red-wings-new-jersey-devils-jeff-blashill/9582618002/|website=The Detroit News|date=April 29, 2022|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=May 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527010730/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2022/04/29/detroit-red-wings-new-jersey-devils-jeff-blashill/9582618002/|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 30, 2022, Jeff Blashill was fired as head coach.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ted|last=Kulfan|title=Red Wings will not bring back Jeff Blashill, 2 assistant coaches|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2022/04/30/detroit-red-wings-not-bring-back-jeff-blashill-after-7-seasons/9595719002/|website=The Detroit News|date=April 30, 2022|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=May 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527011211/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2022/04/30/detroit-red-wings-not-bring-back-jeff-blashill-after-7-seasons/9595719002/|url-status=live}}</ref> They then hired [[Derek Lalonde]] as their head coach on June 30, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2022/06/30/red-wings-name-derek-lalonde-their-new-head-coach/7768393001/|title=Red Wings name Derek Lalonde their new head coach|last=Kulfan|first=Ted|date=June 30, 2022|access-date=June 30, 2022|work=[[The Detroit News]]|archive-date=August 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816070624/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2022/06/30/red-wings-name-derek-lalonde-their-new-head-coach/7768393001/|url-status=live}}</ref> During 2022–23 season, the Red Wings would re-sign Dylan Larkin to an eight-year contract extension.<ref>{{cite web|first=Thomas|last=Roth|title=Dylan Larkin to eight-year contract extension|url=https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-sign-dylan-larkin-to-eight-year-contract-extension/c-341682418|website=NHL.com|date=March 1, 2023|access-date=May 24, 2023|archive-date=March 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303003057/https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-sign-dylan-larkin-to-eight-year-contract-extension/c-341682418|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings finished the season at 35–37–10. They missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season.<ref>{{cite web|first=Nicholas J.|last=Cotsonika|title=Red Wings eliminated, done in by scoring issues, inconsistent goaltending|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/why-detroit-is-eliminated-from-stanley-cup-playoffs/c-343245508|website=NHL.com|date=April 7, 2023|access-date=April 14, 2023|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414101013/https://www.nhl.com/news/why-detroit-is-eliminated-from-stanley-cup-playoffs/c-343245508|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ted|last=Kulfan|title=Red Wings end season two games under .500, blanked 5-0 by Lightning|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2023/04/13/red-wings-end-season-two-games-under-500-blanked-5-0-by-lightning/70111117007/|website=The Detroit News|date=April 13, 2023|access-date=April 14, 2023|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414020200/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2023/04/13/red-wings-end-season-two-games-under-500-blanked-5-0-by-lightning/70111117007/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Red Wings finished the 2023–24 season with a 41–32–9 record. However, they were eliminated from playoff contention for the eighth consecutive season via tiebreaker on April 16, 2024, after the Washington Capitals' 2–1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.<ref>{{cite web|first=Helene|last=St. James|title=Detroit Red Wings miss playoffs for 8th straight year despite 5-4 rally past Canadiens|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2024/04/16/detroit-red-wings-eliminated-playoffs-montreal-canadiens/73343856007/|newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]]|date=April 16, 2024|access-date=April 17, 2024}}</ref>

On December 26, 2024, after a slow start to the [[2024–25 NHL season|2024–25 season]], the Red Wings fired head coach Lalonde and assistant head coach [[Bob Boughner]]. [[Todd McLellan]] was hired as their new head coach, with [[Trent Yawney]] as an assistant head coach.<ref>{{cite web |title=McLellan hired as Red Wings coach, replaces Lalonde |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/todd-mclellan-named-detroit-coach-replacing-fired-derek-lalonde |website=NHL.com |date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=December 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bultman |first=Max |title=Red Wings fire coach Derek Lalonde after 13-17-4 start, hire Todd McLellan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5932340/2024/12/26/red-wings-derek-lalonde-coach-fired/ |work=The Athletic |date=December 26, 2024 |access-date=December 26, 2024}}</ref> On April 12, 2025, the Red Wings were eliminated from playoff contention for the ninth consecutive season after the [[2024–25 Montreal Canadiens season|Montreal Canadiens]] lost in overtime to the [[2024–25 Toronto Maple Leafs season|Toronto Maple Leafs]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Ted|last=Kulfan|title=Red Wings officially eliminated from playoffs after Montreal earns point|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2025/04/12/red-wings-officially-eliminated-from-playoffs-after-montreal-earns-point/83066268007/|website=The Detroit News|date=April 12, 2025|access-date=April 13, 2025}}</ref> This extended their longest [[List of NHL franchise post-season droughts|playoff drought]] in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/why-detroit-red-wings-are-eliminated-from-2024-2025-postseason-race|title=Red Wings miss Stanley Cup Playoffs for 9th straight season|website=NHL.com|first=Nicholas J.|last=Cotsonika|date=April 13, 2025|access-date=April 13, 2025}}</ref> They finished the season with a 39–35–8 record.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ted|last=Kulfan|title=Red Wings end season on sour note with OT loss in Toronto|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2025/04/17/red-wings-end-season-on-sour-note-with-ot-loss-in-toronto/83138598007/|newspaper=[[The Detroit News]]|date=April 17, 2025|access-date=April 18, 2025}}</ref>