The Detroit Red Wings had a must-win game against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. But, unfortunately, they came up just short. Detroit controlled play for most of the contest, but some mistakes cost them. The Capitals won 2-1, and now Derek Lalonde and his team will fight for their lives in the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday
In the battle for the last wild-card place in the East, the Red Wings and Penguins are directly adjacent to one another. Additionally, neither team has a game in hand. Consequently, the team that wins in Pittsburgh will maintain their chances of making the playoffs. That being said, the loser will almost certainly miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs entirely.
Lalonde said his squad was ready for a “next level” playoff push before the Capitals game. Now, however, he made a fairly eye-opening statement regarding this hunt and why he’s trying to capitalize on this chance to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Red Wings bench coach told NHL.com on Wednesday, “We may not be here next year.”
Detroit is one of four teams vying for the final wild-card spot in the East. The Capitals currently hold onto the spot, with the Penguins right on their tail. The Philadelphia Flyers are also in the hunt, though they’ve hit quite a rough patch. The Red Wings controlled their own destiny before Tuesday but will need help over these last few games.
After this matchup with the Penguins, the Winged Wheel will play three more games: on the road against the already-clinched playoff berth Toronto Maple Leafs; twice against the Montreal Canadiens; and their final home game on April 15 before the team’s season ends the following day in the heart of French Canada.
After Thursday’s game, the Penguins still have three games left. And the year’s last game might be their most significant. The New York Islanders, who are presently in third place in the Metropolitan Division, will play Pittsburgh. Many teams, including the Red Wings, might have their postseason careers made or broken by the decisive game.
Some may have been taken aback by Derek Lalonde’s admission, but the Red Wings, led by general manager Steve Yzerman, have improved every season and have amassed one of the best prospect pools in the league. This summer is expected to bring more moves that will increase their chances of qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Still, it might not matter in the end what Detroit does. This season, a few teams did much worse than expected. For instance, the Buffalo Sabres performed considerably below expectations. It was their 13th straight season of missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Another squad that Lalonde thinks has a chance to improve in 2024–2025 was mentioned.
According to Lalonde, via NHL.com, “I don’t see New Jersey not flirting with 100 points (next season)”. We have an opportunity that doesn’t come around very often. We had a chance last night, but we didn’t take it. Tomorrow we play Pittsburgh, and we would like to take advantage of that opportunity.
Ultimately, the Red Wings have complete control over their decisions. Other clubs, though, might advance more dramatically the following season. Thus, it’s not out of the question that Detroit becomes better once again and ends up with nothing. But for the first time in seven seasons, the Red Wings have the chance they’ve always wanted this season. And they can make the most of it on Thursday by winning a significant game.
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