Red Wings continue to slide in playoff race

The Detroit Red Wings, who famously made the postseason for 25 consecutive seasons from 1991 through 2016, are now in danger of missing the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season. This was shaping up to be the year that ended Detroit’s drought, but they’ve been slowly sliding down the standings after a strong start. Since the NHL has returned from the Olympic break, the Red Wings have only the 21st-ranked record in the league.

Detroit is still clinging to the second wild spot in the Eastern Conference, with 82 points in 68 games, but the Columbus Blue Jackets are just a point behind them with a game in hand. According to MoneyPuck, they still have a 67% chance of making the playoffs, but they’ll have to turn their game around sooner rather than later to make sure they’re playing hockey into late April.

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, hosts Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discussed the chances of the Red Wings missing the playoffs.

Tyler Yaremchuk: The Detroit Red Wings have what percent chance of missing the playoffs?

Carter Hutton: I’m going to go with 35%. Somewhere in the middle. I’m not totally confident on the Wings. I know Stevie Y didn’t want to mortgage his future and he wanted to have the build that he wanted, but they didn’t really add anyone. (Justin) Faulk’s an addition, (David) Perron. I just think this team is concerning.

When you look at how good John Gibson has been, is the pixie dust going to rub off a little bit? He’s a goalie that I think at times when the game gets more traffic and tighter in areas, similar to Connor Hellebuyck where they’re so patient and they let the game come the them, but then sometimes in these chaotic games and playoffs where there’s more tips, more traffic, you have to fight for that space and it gets a little harder for a goalie who kind of plays in slow motion. For the Wings, it is concerning, and if they miss this year, has the leash run out? Where do they go from here?

You can catch the full discussion and the rest of Wednesday’s episode here…