Red Wings Beat Jets 2-1 to Lead Atlantic

Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson made 24 saves to anchor a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena, capping the calendar year with a win that solidified the Red Wings' position atop the Atlantic Division.

The Red Wings, who improved to 11-3-1 in December and 24-14-3 overall with 51 points, struck twice in the first period to build a lead they would not relinquish. Captain Dylan Larkin opened the scoring at 8:22 on the power play, wristing a shot from the high slot through traffic and past Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck for his team-leading 21st goal of the season. Alex DeBrincat provided the screen in front of the net.

Mason Appleton, a former Jets player who spent seven seasons with the organization in two stints, added to the advantage at 14:48 during a two-on-one break. J.T. Compher carried the puck into the zone and passed to Appleton, whose sharp-angle shot from the side was deflected into the net by Winnipeg defenseman Luke Schenn as he attempted to clear the crease. The goal stood as Appleton's fifth of the year.

The Jets, mired in a seven-game losing streak and 0-4-3 over their last seven outings, responded in the third...