The Columbus Blue Jackets made history by hosting their first outdoor NHL game at Ohio Stadium, drawing a massive crowd of 94,751 fans. In a thrilling contest against the Detroit Red Wings, the Blue Jackets emerged victorious with a score of 5-3. Justin Danforth's game-winning goal, alongside 44 saves from Elvis Merzlikins, highlighted the matchup.

Despite being outshot 46 to 21, Columbus showcased resilience, capitalizing on key opportunities. Boone Jenner’s feed to Denton Mateychuk opened the scoring early, and after a brief tie, Columbus rallied back with goals from Dmitri Voronkov and Danforth. The Red Wings, led by Alex DeBrincat, made a late push to tie the game, but Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets held firm, securing a critical win in the playoff race.

Under the leadership of Todd McLellan, the Detroit Red Wings have turned their season around dramatically, showcasing the best record in the NHL since December 28. This turnaround is largely attributed to a remarkable power play efficiency, converting 39.1% of opportunities, a figure that leads the league. Key contributors include Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin, Patrick Kane, and Alex DeBrincat, who combined for 42 goals and 59 assists in just 23 games, with a significant number of those coming while on the man advantage.

Despite a less potent five-on-five performance, the Red Wings remain playoff contenders as they aim to end an eight-year postseason absence. The infusion of fresh tactics and strategies from McLellan has breathed new life into a team that previously struggled. With the Eastern Conference wild card race tightening, Detroit's special teams play may be pivotal in securing a playoff berth.

Brandon Hagel showcased an impressive performance with two goals and two assists as the Tampa Bay Lightning ended the Detroit Red Wings' seven-game winning streak with a decisive 6-3 victory. Erik Cernak contributed significantly with a goal and two assists while Brayden Point marked his 30th goal of the season. Notably, Dylan Duke scored in his NHL debut, capping off a strong showing from the Lightning who are now 4-0-1 in their last five outings.

The Red Wings' Vladimir Tarasenko reached a career milestone, scoring his 300th goal in the first period, but Detroit struggled defensively, allowing four goals in the first period alone. Despite Alex DeBrincat's two assists and a goal from Patrick Kane, Detroit could not overcome the Lightning's offensive barrage.

With a renewed sense of purpose, the Detroit Red Wings have made a stunning turnaround under coach Todd McLellan, moving from near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings to a wild card position. Following a tumultuous start, McLellan's arrival sparked an impressive 15-4-1 record in just 20 games, reviving a team that had previously struggled.

McLellan's approach is not about overhauling the roster but rather instilling confidence and a winning mentality. His emphasis on practices that are "harder, faster, smarter" has translated into on-ice success, highlighted by a recent four-game road sweep—Detroit's first since 1996. The players, including standout Alex DeBrincat and captain Dylan Larkin, have embraced this change and are looking ahead to a playoff push, shaking off the struggles of the past.

Hockey crowds in Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver expressed their discontent with the U.S. national anthem over the weekend, coinciding with the announcement of new tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump. Ottawa Senators fans booed the anthem before enthusiastically singing the Canadian anthem, celebrating their team's 6-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Similar scenes unfolded in Calgary and Vancouver, where fans cheered after the U.S. anthem while rooting for the Canadian rendition.

American NHL players Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat, both with the Detroit Red Wings, remarked on the booing. Kane empathized with the crowds, indicating an understanding of the political context, while DeBrincat admitted to being surprised by the reactions. Red Wings coach Todd McLellan opted to remain neutral, separating the political landscape from the entertainment of hockey. The Senators, who are set to face the Nashville Predators next, acknowledged the passion of their fanbase in a statement.