On Saturday, the National Hockey League (NHL) witnessed a historic moment as the Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium drew a massive crowd of 94,751. This attendance figure marks the second-largest in NHL history, surpassed only by the 2014 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium, which saw 105,491 spectators.
The Detroit Red Wings are still in a Stanley Cup Playoff spot but failed to extend their lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets after losing two games to them in three days, including a 5-3 defeat at the 2025 NHL Stadium Series in Ohio Stadium on Saturday. The losses, combined with a 5-2 defeat on Thursday, have pushed the Red Wings from a two-point lead to now trailing the Blue Jackets by two points for the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Despite outshooting Columbus 46-21 and controlling the shot attempts 84-45, Detroit couldn’t capitalize on their chances.
The Red Wings were down 3-1 in the third period but managed to tie the game 3-3 with goals from Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. However, Columbus regained the lead shortly after, with Justin Danforth scoring the go-ahead goal. After a seven-game winning streak, Detroit has now lost four of their last six games, and they fear a repeat of last season’s late-season collapse, which led to missing the playoffs. Players like Kane and DeBrincat expressed frustration at not earning a point, but also noted the team’s strong effort and resilience.
With 22 games remaining, the Red Wings are hopeful they can bounce back, starting with their next game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday.
Event Highlights
- Competitive Matchup: The game was part of a home-and-home series between the two teams, both vying for a wild-card spot in the NHL playoffs. The Blue Jackets emerged victorious with a 5-3 win, solidifying their position as the top wild card in the Eastern Conference.
- Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau: The event also served as a poignant tribute to late Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau, who passed away last summer. The team honored him by dressing in his style, and his family led the team onto the ice.
- Intermission Performance: The game featured a special intermission performance by Grammy Award-winning band Twenty One Pilots, adding to the electric atmosphere.
Attendance and Venue
Ohio Stadium, home of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, was transformed into a hockey venue for the occasion. The listed capacity for football games is 102,780, but adjustments were made to accommodate TV camera mounts and the stage for Twenty One Pilots, reducing the available seating. Despite these adjustments, the event still managed to draw an unprecedented crowd.
Impact and Significance
The success of this event underscores the growing popularity and nostalgia of outdoor NHL games and the strong fan support for both the Blue Jackets and Red Wings. It also highlights the ability of the NHL to create memorable experiences that combine sports with entertainment and community engagement.
In conclusion, the 2025 NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium not only set a new benchmark for attendance but also provided a memorable experience for fans, players, and the community, honoring the legacy of Johnny Gaudreau and showcasing the competitive spirit of the NHL.
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