Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat wasn’t interested in making excuses following Friday night’s ugly 6-3 loss to the Seattle Kraken at Little Caesars Arena. After watching Detroit surrender four goals in the second period, the veteran forward delivered a blunt assessment of his team’s effort and defensive execution.
The loss dropped the Red Wings to 1-3-0 to begin the 2026-27 season, and DeBrincat made it clear that Detroit’s performance wasn’t acceptable.
Oct 6, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex DeBrincat (93) passes the puck during the first period against the Ottawa Senators at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
DeBrincat Doesn’t Hold Back
Speaking to reporters after the game, DeBrincat pointed directly to the Red Wings’ inability to compete consistently and support one another defensively.
As reported by The Hockey News, DeBrincat said:
“I think we got a little lazy and soft on pucks.”
He also acknowledged just how damaging Detroit’s second-period collapse had been.
“One bad period cost us the game…it’s a wake-up call.”
According to the Detroit Free Press’ game coverage, DeBrincat delivered another pointed message:
“We know we’re not good enough to take any time off.”
These are verified excerpts rather than the complete interview responses. The Red Wings’ official postgame video contains DeBrincat’s full remarks.
Red Wings Have to Be Better
Detroit actually outshot Seattle 41-25 and held a 2-1 lead early in the second period before everything fell apart. The Kraken scored four unanswered goals in the middle frame, forcing John Gibson to the bench after allowing five goals on 15 shots.
For a Red Wings team trying to snap a decade-long playoff drought, DeBrincat’s comments should serve as an early warning. Detroit has enough talent to compete, but as Friday’s loss demonstrated, talent won’t matter much if the players aren’t willing to consistently do the little things necessary to win.
The Red Wings have an opportunity to respond against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night. Whether they take DeBrincat’s message to heart will be worth watching.