The Daily: How Red Wings Can Get Into the Playoffs; Griffins Update

While the Detroit Red Wings do have a slim chance of qualifying for the the NHL playoffs, the truth is that you have a better chance of losing an item in the U.S. Mail (4.7%) or having a child who plays high school sports and then goes on to play in college (6%) than the Red Wings have of playing playoff games this season.

Going into Tuesday’s game in Montreal, the Red Wings own a 4.6% chance of qualifying for the playoffs (from moneypuck.com). The Canadiens have an 84.2% chance of qualifying. The New York Rangers are at 8.4%.

Here’s what needs to happen for the Red Wings to get in: First, they need to win Tuesday in regulation to reduce Montreal’s lead from six to four points. That leaves Detroit with five games and Montreal with four games.

Detroit has road games against the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs. The lone home game is against Dallas. If Detroit collects eight points in those games, the Red Wings would have 89 points. If Montreal only earns three points in their last four games (at Ottawa, at Toronto, Chicago and Carolina), they would end up with 88 points.

Then, as long as the New York Rangers only earned nine or fewer points in their last six games, the Red Wings would be in. The Rangers last six games: Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, at New York Islanders, at Carolina Hurricanes, at Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning.

No one said this was an easy path for the Red Wings. Any total of Montreal points earned and Detroit points not earned that totals six would eliminate Detroit.

That’s why the Red Wings are a long-shot, and the Canadiens are a heavy favorite.

Red Wings in Case You Missed It

Detroit center Marco Kasper may be the NHL’s best rookie in the second half of this season.

Igor Larionov is a free agent in the coaching profession. He is out as Torpedo’s coach in the KHL.

The Grand Rapids Griffins have awakened from their goal-scoring drought, scoring 15 goals in a weekend series against the Rockford IceHogs. Nate Danielson had six points, including a pair of goals.

Red Wings Extra

While the Red Wings haven’t been a model of consistency this season, they actually have a good history in one goal games. Plus, they have managed to hold leads this season. Detroit is 9-3-3 in one-goal games under coach Todd McLellan. Detroit is 15-8-7 in one-goal games overall. The Red Wings are 27-2-2 this season when they carry a lead into the third period.  Their record is 18-0-2 when they own a lead going into the third period at Little Caesars Arena.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Andrew Fantucchio writes that the “tank” is alive and working for the Boston Bruins.

Philadelphia: William James provides readers with five possible candidates to be the new coach of the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: The Penguins are officially eliminated from the playoffs in a pitiful loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Pittsburgh Penguins.