Detroit Red Wings
The Daily: Red Wings Stumble, Flyers Fall; NJ Eliminated
The Detroit Red Wings severely damaged their chances of qualifying for the playoffs by losing a 2-1 decision to the Washington Capitals Tuesday night. Bob Duff detailed how veteran mistakes hurt Detroit in the narrow loss.
The Red Wings go into Thursday’s game at Pittsburgh knowing they need a win and help from other teams to get back into a favorable position for a run at the Eastern Conference second wildcard spot. The Capitals now have a one-point lead over Detroit for that position.
But the Red Wings outlook seems rosier than the Philadelphia Flyers’ perspective this morning. The Flyers also desperately needed a win against the Montreal Canadiens, a team that seeks a good draft position, not a playoff spot. But Montreal hammered the Flyers 9-3. Philadelphia has lost eight consecutive games, giving up 42 goals in those setbacks.
Philadelphia coach John Tortorella has a bigger issue about his team than its sinking playoff hopes.
“Whether it’s enough time to do what we want to do to try to get in, I’m not concerned about that,” Tortorella said. “I’m concerned about just being pros, trying to get some of our dignity back, and just playing the right way.”
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils were officially eliminated by a Tuesday loss to Toronto.
Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella meets with the media following #PHIvsMTL. pic.twitter.com/KOGf0Lt8BK
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 10, 2024
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
- Andrew Copp suffered a broken cheekbone when he was hit by a Washington Capitals’ high stick. No penalty was called on the play.
- Detroit defenseman Moritz Seider came down with the flu bug the morning of the Washington game.
- Coach Derek Lalonde’s Detroit squad desperately needs Alex DeBrincat to start scoring again.
Red Wings Next Game
Tuesday’s Washington game was called the Red Wings’ biggest game in a decade. They could have established a positive tone for their quest to qualify for the playoffs. But Detroit lost that game 2-1. Now, Thursday’s Red Wings game at Pittsburgh is their biggest game of the season. Should they lose that game, the Red Wings’ odds of qualifying are reduced significantly. Detroit has four games remaining.
Hockey Now Network
Boston: Jimmy Murphy writes that officials got the call correct on the Hurricanes’ no-goal in the game against the Boston Bruins.
Chicago: Former Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville opened up on a podcast, saying “I should have asked more questions.”
Colorado: Nathan MacKinnon put on an offensive fireworks show in the Colorado Avalanche‘s 5-2 win against the Minnesota Wild.
Montreal: Juraj Slafkovsky registers his first hat trick for the Montreal Canadiens.
New Jersey: Devils top scorer and leader Jack Hughes will miss the rest of the season because he is having shoulder surgery. The Devils also were officially eliminated from playoff consideration. New Jersey Devils.
Pittsburgh: The Pittsburgh Penguins will need help to qualify for the playoffs.