Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: Red Wings Hope Requires Win Streak; Unkind March

Published

1 month ago

March 25, 2025

Lucas Raymond's level of play critical to Detroit's playoff hopes (Photo by Detroit Hockey Now)

When it comes to securing wins in the Eastern Conference wildcard race, one is not enough. Not even close. As important as the Detroit Red Wings’ triumph was against Utah Monday, its impact would be more significant if Detroit can upend Colorado tonight.

The harsh reality for the Red Wings is that they need to put together a winning streak to be a significant factor in this race.

With 12 games remaining, they are three points behind Montreal for the final wildcard spot. But it’s not that simple. The gathering of teams around that spot is like ticket holders for a rock concert with general admission only. The doors are opening and everyone is rushing in to claim their spot. New York’s Rangers and Islanders are both two points ahead of Detroit before it can take on the Habs, while the Blue Jackets are one point ahead.

Detroit would need to go 9-2-1 (.791 points percentage) in its last 12 to reach 91 points. The Red Wings’ current points percentage is .514. Washington needed that 91 total and a tie-breaker to earn the title last season. That may not be enough this season.

Beating Colorado, especially given how well the team is playing, would require better play than the Red Wings have shown lately. The Avs are 10-1-1 in their last 12. They’ve only given up 25 goals in those 12 games.

It’s not hard to understand why moneypuck.com pegs Detroit’s playoff probability this morning at 7.1%.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

It wasn’t pretty, but coach Todd McLellan‘s Red Wings generated a 5-1 win against the Utah Hockey Club.

Bob Duff writes that March hasn’t been kind to the Red Wings over the past three seasons. It’s hard to qualify for the NHL playoffs without playing well in March.

Paywall story: Even if the Red Wings make the playoffs, they will be looking to make changes next summer. They will be looking for a difference-maker or two up front, and ultra-competitors who will make them harder to play against. Our DHN+ story looks at who is vulnerable to be moved this summer. Forward Vladimir Tarasenko is on the list, although his salary makes him difficult to move. To subscribe, click here:

Red Wings Extra

After a much-needed win against Utah, the Red Wings complete their three-game Western trip with a contest against the Colorado Avalanche (9 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network). On a team that has eight players with double-figure minus totals, defenseman Simon Edvinsson leads the team with a plus-7. He was plus-3 Monday against Utah.