The Daily: Red Wings Need These Two Wins; Tortorella Fired

The Detroit Red Wings need two home victories this week like an outdoorsman needs fresh air and sunshine.

Beating the Ottawa Senators Tuesday and the Boston Bruins would breathe life into their Eastern Conference playoff hopes. They are three points out of wildcard spot with 11 games remaining in the regular-season schedule. It’s plausible, or at least possible, that they could win both of these games.

Detroit downed Ottawa in overtime 3-2 in January at Little Caesars Arena, and two other losses to the Senators were 2-1 decisions. The Red Wings can compete with this team, particularly now when the Senators have lost three of their last four games.

The Bruins, meanwhile, have lost seven in a row, while giving up 38 goals in those losses. They are giving up 5.14 goals per game.

Red Wings In Case You Missed

Bob Duff offers five reasons why the Red Wings are failing, including the ridiculously weak Detroit penalty killing. 

Detroit Red Wings prospect Rudy Guimond enters the QMJHL playoffs with a 16-0 record for Moncton.

Austin Watson plans to make the most of his Detroit call-up opportunity. He has two goals in two games.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit hosts the Ottawa Senators tonight (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network) in a game with heavy Eastern Conference wildcard implications. Alex Lyon was in the Detroit’s starter’s net at today’s morning skate.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Should Blackhawks coach Anders Sorensen be more assertive with officials? Reporters asked him that after Chicago’s latest loss. His answer may not have satisfied them. Chicago Blackhawks.

Florida: Carter Verhaeghe, nor the Panthers, seem concerned about his scoring slump. Florida Panthers. 

Philadelphia: John Tortorella was fired as Philadelphia’s coach and the team could be interested in collegiate coach David Carle. William James has the details. Philadelphia Flyers.