Red Wings Face Crucial Game as Playoff Hopes Dwindle

DETROIT, Mich. — As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches its conclusion, the Detroit Red Wings find themselves on the brink of extending their playoff drought to nine years. With less than two weeks remaining in the regular season, their chances of making the postseason are slipping away.

On Friday night, the Red Wings will host the Carolina Hurricanes, offering them a critical opportunity to inch closer to competing for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Presently, Detroit sits at 75 points, six behind the Montreal Canadiens and tied with the Canadiens in regulation wins at 26.

The Red Wings face an uphill battle ahead; following their game against the Hurricanes, they will only encounter opponents currently in playoff contention, including the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Toronto Maple Leafs. While it’s possible that some teams with assured playoff spots may relax, it’s not the best draw for a team desperate to break into the playoffs.

“We know what’s at stake,” said Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde. “A win tonight could boost our morale and set the tone for this critical stretch.” The team’s confidence has been shaky lately, evidenced by their struggle to secure victories after returning from a grueling schedule.

After the 4 Nations Faceoff break in late February, the Red Wings had what was revealed to be the toughest remaining schedule in the league, finishing March with only four wins—the second-fewest in the league behind the Boston Bruins. Their record during this stretch showed a dismal penalty kill performance at 64.5%, the worst in the league.

The team’s current situation has also been affected by individual performances. Captain Dylan Larkin, who typically leads the team in scoring, has not posted more than three points in the last nine games. Newly acquired forward Alex DeBrincat is struggling as well, projected to finish under 15 goals this season.

Defensive issues have compounded the problems for Detroit, particularly with defenseman Moritz Seider‘s recent inconsistencies leading to social media scrutiny. Over the last few months, the Red Wings’ defensive line has allowed an average of three goals per game.

“We need to find a way to dig deep and regroup,” Larkin noted. “Six wins out of our last eight games could potentially give us another shot at the playoffs.”

However, some fans are beginning to question whether making the playoffs is worth it. The playoff experience may not benefit a roster that lacks many budding prospects, and qualifying may eliminate their chances at a high draft pick.

Despite the doubts surrounding the Red Wings’ postseason aspirations, the stakes are undeniably high in their remaining games. The NHL playoffs begin shortly after the regular season concludes on April 17, and optimism remains faint but not extinguished.