The Pittsburgh Penguins had a playoff probability of 1.9% not long ago. Some were thinking, maybe hoping, the team would totally collapse to become one of the league’s bottom 10 teams. That would have allowed them to reclaim their first-round pick from the San Jose Sharks because it was top 10 protected.

But the Penguins didn’t sink to the bottom. Instead, they put together an eight-game points streak (6-0-2) to put themselves in a playoff position.

They moved into the Eastern Conference second wildcard position by beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4 Saturday. The Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers both have 83 points, but the Penguins are technically ahead because they have a game-in-hand. The Washington Capitals and Red Wings are one point behind.

Michael Bunting scored the game-winner with 5:28 left in regulation. He celebrated like he had just won the Stanley Cup. The Penguins are into this race.

“All of my emotions showed,” Bunting said. “I’m sure the whole rink heard me screaming.”

It’s been Pittsburgh stars leading the way.  Sidney Crosby has seven goals and nine assists for 16 points over the past eight games. Evgeni Malkin has six goals and three assists in his last six games.

BUNTING ANSWERS WITH HIS THIRD POINT OF THE GAME! pic.twitter.com/j3ork3gKYM

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 6, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Simon Edvinsson continues to play with the steadiness of a veteran. He’s playing it safe defensively.
• The Red Wings are comfortable that goalkeeper Alex Lyon can deliver the performances they need over the last six games.
• The Griffins have brought in some prospects late in the season, including goalie Carter Gylander, to give them a taste of the American Hockey League.

Red Wings Next Game

With the Penguins now charging, the Red Wings have to view today’s 1 p.m. game against the Buffalo Sabres as a must-win contest.  The Red Wings will be without Michael Rasmussen who is still sidelined by an upper body injury. Alex Lyon will be making his fourth consecutive start in net. The Sabres have won three of their last four. The Red Wings are 2-1 against Buffalo this season. Detroit’s last win against the Sabres came three weeks ago at Little Caesars Arena.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: The Lukas Reichel reboot was on fully display in the Chicago Blackhawks’ triumph against the Dallas Stars Saturday.

Montreal: Montreal Hockey Now has been hard at work compiling a list of players the Montreal Canadiens will target for the 2024 NHL draft.

Philadelphia: Jonathan Bailey writes the playoffs are all but out of reach for the Philadelphia Flyers after Saturday’s loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The post The Daily: Red Wings Chasing Penguins Now; Flyers Failing appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.