Detroit Red Wings In A Fight For Remaining Play-off Spot

The Detroit Red Wings are just one point ahead of the Phoenix Coyotes for the final play-off spot in the NHL’s Western conference. sounds ominous but the Wings are also just 5 points out the 3rd spot.  That makes the remaining games on the schedule critical if the Red wings have any hope of getting out of the first round of the playoffs.

Tonight’s game is a must win for the Wings as they look to extend their playoff appearance streak to 22 seasons. Their opponent the San Jose Sharks are fifth in the Western Conference Standings  and just 4 points ahead.  A win would be a rare opportunity to defeat a team ahead of them in the standings and capture momentum that could carry them to a better seed.  This opportunity only exists two more times in the remaining NHL schedule.  April 12th against the Chicago Blackhawks and April 24th against the LA Kings.

Right now the Winged Wheelers are looking at a first round match-upwith the

It will take every effort from Detroit Red Wings Captain Henrik Zetterberg (40) to play the wings into a play-off spot. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

.  A series with the Blackhawks would be very difficult for the Detroit Red Wings considering they have yet to beat them this season. Avoiding this match-up is the key to the Detroit Red Wings having any chance at a cup run.

The Detroit Red Wings were quiet at the trade deadline. An unusual move by a franchise known for making deals to improve the team’s chances at winning a cup. Does Ken Holland and company feel they have enough fire power to make a run at the Stanley Cup? Or has Mike Illitch blown his money in an attempt to win a World Series Championship. No matter the reason the Wings are limping down the stretch like a marathon runner with leg cramps and it will take every effort to play themselves into a play-off spot much less a Stanley Cup Final.

The Detroit Red Wings go into tonight’s game with some key injuries to Mikael Samuelson, Damien Brunner, Todd Bertuzzi and Darren Helm. The Sharks come in healthy only one injured player Scott Hannan.  a win tonight could potential put within one point of 6th place St. Louis in the Western Conference points race.  The puck drops at 7:30 pm on Fox Sports Detroit or on the Radio at 97.1 FM.