The Daily: Red Wings Don’t Know How to Close Deal; Pens Update

The rebuilding Montreal Canadiens, in a multi-team battle to make the playoffs, were trailing the defending champion Florida Panthers 2-1 with time running out Tuesday night.

With 8.4 seconds left in regulation, Montreal’s Nick Suzuki scored to tie the game. Then, 29 seconds into overtime, Suzuki scored again to provide Montreal a 3-2 victory. It was the Canadiens’ fourth win this season against the powerful Panthers. The Habs woke up today still holding the final wildcard position in the Eastern Conference. Players are stepping up at key times to be a difference-maker. They are proving they know how to earn big wins.

Meanwhile, in St. Louis, the Red Wings were showing a strong effort against a Blues team that has won nine in a row. They killed off three St. Louis power plays. Coach Todd McLellan’s team realistically needed this win to stay viable in the same wildcard race. Cam Talbot kept Detroit in the game, and a J.T. Compher goal gave Detroit a 1-0 lead with time running out.

But unlike Montreal, the Red Wings couldn’t step up at the right time. With 27.9 seconds remaining, Jordan Kyrou slid a puck through Talbot’s legs to tie the game. Michigan native Cam Fowler delivered the win for St. Louis with an overtime goal.

The two tales of success and failure seem to put a spotlight on how frustrating the end of this season has been for Detroit fans. While some rivals are figuring out how to win important games, the Red Wings can’t seem to earn those victories

Is it something they will learn? Do they have the right group? Do they need more difference-makers? Those are questions still to be answered.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Former Detroit Red Wings goaltender Mark Laforest has died at age 62.

Goalie Trey Augustine, a Red Wings’ 2023 second round pick, has opted to stay at MSU for his junior season. Still will has his rights next spring.

Paywall story: It’s challenging to know how good Detroit prospects will be at the NHL level because all development leagues are not created equal. To subscribe to DHN+ stories, click here:

Red Wings Extra

Detroit’s game won’t be any easier than the St. Louis Blues’ change. The Red Wings are home against Carolina Friday (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network). The Hurricanes are 11-2 in their last 13 and they have downed the Red Wings twice already this season. Carolina (45-24-) own the NHL’s fifth-best record, the seventh best scoring average (3.26) and eighth-best GAA (2.66). Meanwhile, the Red Wings are four points out of a playoff spot with eight games remaining.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: It’s hard to believe what has happened to the Bruins. Their losing streak is now nine games. Boston Bruins.

New Jersey: Hockey insider tells NJHN that injured defenseman Dougie Hamilton could be back in the lineup sooner than anticipated. New Jersey Devils.

Philadelphia: Can Matvei Michkov beat Montreal defenseman Lane Hutson for the Calder Trophy.  William James takes another look. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh:  Dan Kingerski takes an early look at the Penguins’ 2026-27 roster. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Yaroslav Askarov is back from injury and will play for the San Jose Barracuda tonight in an AHL game tonight against the Ontario Reign. San Jose Sharks.

Vegas: Hannah Kirkell looks at the Golden Knights historically successful regular-season. Vegas Golden Knights.