The Daily: Red Wings Back in Playoff Spot; Michigan In Big Ten Final

The Red Wings could be out of a playoff  position by the time they start their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. Their game starts at 6 p.m. The New York Islanders, a point behind Detroit,  have a 1 p.m. game against the New York Rangers.

The Washington Capitals are also one point back after downing the Vancouver Canucks 2-1 Saturday.

James Reimer was one of several Red Wings who stepped up to deliver a 4-1 win against the pesky Buffalo Sabres. That win moved the Red Wings back into a playoff position. DHN’s Bob Duff wrote that the Red Wings need to go back to Reimer today, even though it’s a back-to-back game situation.

“Many clad in the winged wheel had a hand in this outcome,” Duff wrote. “None were more of a factor in the success story than goaltender James Reimer.”

After giving up a weak first goal, Reimer settled into his strong 25-save performance. Coach Derek Lalonde didn’t want to commit to Reimer for Sunday without talking to his coaches, but Lalonde likes to ride the hot hand in goalie. He sounded open to coming back to Reimer. He hasn’t been overworked this season because Alex Lyon was hot.

“Obviously the instinct will be to go back to him after a win,” Lalonde acknowledged. “But he is 35 and not many goalies in this league go back to back.

We hear from Christian Fischer, who scored the Wings' first goal, and James Reimer, who had 25 saves in the 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres.#LGRW pic.twitter.com/392F6fD5Oy

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) March 16, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Paywall story: Tim Robinson looks at 2023 Red Wings draft pick Brady Cleveland‘s progress at Wisconsin.
• Beloved grinder Christian Fischer delivers key goal for Red Wings against Buffalo.
• Detroit captain Dylan Larkin should start practicing next week.
• Sebastian Cossa helped the Grand Rapids Griffins win again Saturday. Coach Dan Watson says the big goalie is in a “groove.” This is also a paywall story.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings are back in action today with a 6 p.m. game in Pittsburgh. The Penguins are trying to keep their playoff hopes alive. They are seven points behind Detroit in the wild card race. The Penguins have lost five of their last six, including last night’s 7-4 loss to the New York Rangers.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: BHN’s Jimmy Murphy believes it’s time for the Boston Bruins to ride goalie Jeremy Swayman.

Chicago: Blackhawks prospect Frank Nazar helped Michigan down Minnesota Saturday to move into the Big 10 Championship final. Chicago Blackhawks

Colorado: Artturi Lehkonen is the overtime hero yet again as the Colorado Avalanche defeat the Edmonton Oilers.

New York: The Islanders were not desperate enough in the OT loss to the Senators. That allowed the Red Wings to regain a playoff spot.  New York Islanders

Philadelphia:  Flyers defensive collapse allows Boston Bruins to steal a win. Are they opening the door for the New York Islanders to move into third place in the Metropolitan? Philadelphia Flyers.

New Jersey: Coach Travis Green calls out the New Jersey Devils’  “immaturity.”