The Daily: Habs Taking Away Red Wings’ Hope; Weary Panthers

The Eastern Conference wildcard race has reached the point where a single game result is the difference between hope and despair. The Red Wings are living in that world these days.

If the Montreal Canadiens lost to the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday, their probability of earning a East wildcard spot would have been 45.1%. But they beat the Flyers 3-2, which raised their chances of earning the spot at 74.2%. That’s according to moneypuck.com

That leaves the Red Wings, six points behind Montreal, with a 4.7% probability of qualifying. The New York Rangers are at 15.2%.

The Red Wings have seven games remaining, and Montreal has six. One of the Habs’ games is tonight against the Nashville Predators, a team with the NHL’s third-worst record and a 2-8 mark in their last 10 games.  Meanwhile, the Red Wings must face the Florida Panthers.

To have a realistic chance, the Red Wings would have to go 6-1 or run the table. Even that would not guarantee anything. If Detroit goes 6-1, it would have 89 points. Montreal would need to win three of its last six to reach that total.  The Canadiens do have three playoff teams on their schedule (Toronto, Carolina and Ottawa).

Red Wings in Case You Missed It

Former Red Wings player Igor Larionov is out of work. His KHL Torpedo team issued a statement that he is out as the team’s head coach.

Detroit prospect defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka set another major record in the Swedish Hockey League playoffs.

Patrick Kane is making a strong case, with his play, that the Red Wings should try to re-sign him for next season.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit faces a Florida Panthers team today (5:30, TNT) that should be tired and just a little bit demoralized. They are the defending Stanley Cup champions, but they have injuries and they are 3-6-1 in their last 10. The Ottawa Senators shut out the Panthers Saturday, 3-0. Brad Marchand has one point in five games since joining the team. Over his last three games, Marchand has no points, with four shots. He’s minus-3. Meanwhile, the Red Wings are 4-1 in their last five home games.

Hockey Now Network

Montreal: It seems like every night it’s the “Lane Hutson Show” for the Montreal Canadens.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski writes that the Penguins are no longer dour and miserable. Calling up some young players has made them “plucky and fun.” They beat Dallas Saturday. Pittsburgh Penguins

New York: The Islanders’ home game today is being called the “Ovechkin Game.” Russ Macias has details. New York Islanders. 

Vegas: If the Golden Knights are healthy, shouldn’t they be the favorite to come out of the West in the postseason? Hannah Kirkell looks at that question. Vegas Golden Knights.