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The Daily: Red Wings Playoff Hope Is Messy; Heat on Sweeney

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2 weeks ago

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Todd McLellan, Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings’  five-game winning streak has unquestionably placed them back in the Eastern Conference wildcard race.

But for now all that means really is that they are stuck in a traffic jam.

After Detroit’s 3-2 overtime win against Ottawa, the Red Wings (18-18-4) are two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets who currently hold the last playoff spot with 42 points. How bad is the traffic around that final spot? Eight teams are separated by five points chasing that final spot.

The Athletic pegs Detroit’s chances of qualifying at four percent. Given how well the team has been playing, that seems a bit low. But everyone does understand there is a long way to go.

The Red Wings’ accomplishments under new coach Todd McLellan are impressive, but the battle is just beginning.

“A .500 (points percentage) is just .500, and that gets you nothing really in the league,” McLellan said. “But to crawl back the way we have is important. But I did tell the players to quit worrying about wins and losses and streaks and playoffs and just play the game and make mistakes. Play well. We’ll fix it the next day and later on we’ll look at the standings. So I’m aware we’re at .500, but I’m not overly concerned or too excited about it.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Joe Veleno shared his tying goal celebration with a fan along the boards during Detroit’s 3-2 OT win.

Patrick Kane still showing the poise and touch of one of the NHL’s elite offensive players.

Former Detroit Red Wings player Dwight Foster died at age,

Red Wings Extra

Defenseman Moritz Seider is averaging roughly 25:30 minutes of playing time per game during Detroit’s five-game winning streak. He has five assists, 11 hits, 14 blocked shots and is plus-3 in those wins. The Red Wings’ next game is Friday at home against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Fans chant “Fire Sweeney” while the Bruins are losing fifth game in a row. Boston Bruins.

Montreal: Marc Dumont explores defenseman Lane Hutson’s chances of winning the Calder Trophy. Montreal Canadiens.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins are regressing and even coach Mike Sullivan is discouraged. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

 

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Mike Babcock

You know I try not to worry about numbers, percentages, analytics, history, etc.

What I do know is there’s still half a season left in the Red Wings season.

It’s not like there’s a month left and Red Wings have to beat out 10 teams for a playoff spot.

I recall one season the Red Wings media wrote off the team making the playoffs and Hank Zetterberg said “Not on my watch.”

Red Wings made the playoffs.

Now yes, I’m fully aware this Red Wings team no longer has #40 playing for them.

Thanks, Tips.

But why be pessimistic about it?

Red Wings media is doing it again.

History is once again repeating itself.

It’s as if being positive and cheering for Red Wings is somehow a bad thing.

It isn’t.

But go ahead and count out the Red Wings like you guys always do with your stats, trends, history and tarot cards.

This Red Wings fan is having a blast watching his team winning hockey games again.

While I do realize Red Wings can’t win them all, guess what?

Neither can any other team Red Wings are competing with for a playoff spot.

Red Wings don’t have to beat out the ’77 Habs, ’84 Oilers, ’92 Pens or the ’97 Red Wings.

Red Wings DO have a good chance of making the playoffs no matter how much dirt you throw on them.

Last edited 12 days ago by Mike Babcock
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JIM S CLOSS

I am Impressed with the great play of Sider this year,Valuable player.

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Mike Babcock

Couldn’t agree more. 😁

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