NHL Playoff Push: Detroit Red Wings’ Scenarios to Clinch Wild Card Spot
Detroit, MI – The Detroit Red Wings’ playoff hopes remain alive, albeit tenuously, as they head into the final week of the regular season. With two games left, the Red Wings are currently tied with the Washington Capitals for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but Washington holds the tiebreaker.
Path to the Playoffs
There are two primary scenarios that could see the Red Wings clinch a playoff berth:
Scenario 1:
- Red Wings win both remaining games: This would give Detroit 91 points, requiring Washington to lose at least one of its final two games.
- If Washington loses one game: The Red Wings would qualify for the playoffs, regardless of other results.
Scenario 2:
- Red Wings win one game and lose one game in overtime: This would give Detroit 90 points, requiring a complex set of other results to fall in their favor.
- Washington loses one game in regulation: The Red Wings would need Pittsburgh to lose one game and the New York Islanders to lose both their remaining games in regulation.
- If Washington loses two games: The Red Wings would need Pittsburgh to lose one game and the Islanders to lose both their remaining games, regardless of how the Penguins lose.
Keys to Victory
The Red Wings’ playoff hopes hinge on their ability to secure at least three points from their final two games. They will face the Montreal Canadiens on Monday and the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. Detroit has a 3-0-1 record against Montreal this season and a 2-1-1 record against Ottawa.
Scoring Power: The Red Wings have averaged 3.33 goals per game this season, led by Dylan Larkin (33 goals), Lucas Raymond (29 goals), and Alex DeBrincat (26 goals). They will need to maintain their offensive production in their remaining games.
Strong Defense: Detroit’s defense, led by Moritz Seider, has allowed 3.31 goals per game. They will need to be at their best to limit the high-scoring Capitals or the opportunistic Islanders.
Goaltending: Ville Husso has been a reliable presence in net for the Red Wings, with a 3.13 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage. He will need to be at the top of his game in the pivotal games that lie ahead.
With the playoffs within reach, the Red Wings are facing a must-win situation in their final two games. Whether they can overcome the odds and secure a wild card spot remains to be seen, but they are determined to give it their all.
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