The Daily: Caps’ Loss Big Help for Red Wings; Who Flames Want

The Detroit Red Wings need wins to earn the Eastern Conference wild card positions. But other contenders’ losses are equally valuable.

On Wednesday night, Auston Matthews scored twice and registered five points to help the Toronto Maple Leafs pin a 7-3 loss on the Washington Capitals. That’s a significant boost for the Red Wings because the Capitals now only have one game in hand over Detroit. The Red Wings have one point lead over Washington.

The Red Wings have a critical game against the Islanders tonight. The Islanders sent the Detroit squad into a downhill spiral by beating them, 5-3, Feb. 29. The Red wings have lost eight of 10 since then.

Meanwhile, the Capitals are a formidable playoff contender.  Alex Ovechkin has rediscovered his groove, producing five goals over the past three games. Washington was playing well defensively before giving up seven goals to Toronto.

Detroit and Washington meet next Tuesday on the Capitals’ home ice.

Head coach Spencer Carbery meets with the media after tonight's contest against Toronto.#CapsLeafs pic.twitter.com/B1aVifohGN

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 21, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• The Red Wings’ objective is to start on time tonight against the New York Islanders.  Poor starts have been a major problem for the team in its recent struggles.
• Simon Edvinsson will be back in Detroit’s lineup tonight. Coach Derek Lalonde said Edvinsson was “really good” against Columbus on Tuesday.
• Surging Lucas Raymond (seven goals in five games) will be one of Detroit’s keys for success down the stretch.
• Paywall story: Bob Duff writes about injured Dylan Larkin’s chances of playing today. Click here to subscribe. We are currently  offering subscriptions at a $10 discount. To receive the discount, use the promo code bob10.

Red Wings Next Game

Coach Derek Lalonde’s Detroit squad is home to face the New York Islanders. The Red Wings have a one-point lead over the Washington Capitals and a three-point advantage over the Islanders for the Eastern Conference’s wild card spot. Injured captain Dylan Larkin, out since March 2, could possibly play today. That decision will be made after the morning skate.  The Islanders are 0-4-1 in their last five, and have been outscored 20-6.

Hockey Now Network

Calgary: Trevor Neufeld offers seven “spicy” free agent targets for the Calgary Flames to target this offseason.

Florida: Matthew Tkachuk and Sasha Barkov are questionable for tonight’s Florida Panthers’ games.

New Jersey: Coach Travis Green explains Alexander Holtz’s promotion. Holtz now has 15 goals. New Jersey Devils.

Philadelphia: Former John Tortorella player criticizes his handling of the Sean Couturier situation. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski writes that Mike Sullivan should face tough questions about his future with the Pittsburgh Penguins.