The Daily: Red Wings’ Road Ahead Bumpy; Is Ned Pens’ No. 1?

Moneypuck.com says the Detroit Red Wings only have a 16.8% chance of earning a playoff spot. DHN’s Bob Duff explains how difficult it really is for Detroit to earn the playoff spot.

“The Detroit Red Wings aren’t out of the race for the NHL’s second Eastern Conference wild card playoff spot,” Duff writes. “At the same time, to gain that position, they are going to need help.”

Lots of help.

Because Auston Matthews has a shot at scoring 70 goals, the Red Wings face a very motivated Toronto Maple Leafs team tonight. The Red Wings’ last two games are against the Montreal Canadiens. Over the past 10 games, the Habs (5-4-1) own a better record than Detroit (3-4-3).

The Penguins have a more challenging schedule: Boston, Nashville and the New York Islanders. But former Red Wings goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, currently playing every game for Pittsburgh, is 8-0-3 in his last 11 starts.

To make matters worse, Duff explains in his NHL tiebreaker story, the first tiebreaker is regulation wins. Pittsburgh (31), Washington (29) and Philadelphia (29) all have more regulation wins than Detroit (27)

The race for the last wild card spot in the NHL’s Eastern Conference is intriguing. pic.twitter.com/w91ywGe2Rz

— RepublicanDore (@RepublicanDore) April 12, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Ville Husso took the warmup for the Grand Rapids Griffins, but then didn’t play. No other information has been provided. He is supposed to be on a conditioning stay with the AHL team.
• Detroit prospect Shai Buium has a chance tonight to win his second NCAA championship with Denver. Detroit drafted him in the second round three years ago.
• Paywall story: Bob Duff explains how the Red Wings players have to keep their emotions in check during this campaign to qualify for the playoffs.  To subscribe, click here. To get $10 off the yearly subscription, use the promo code bob10.

Red Wings Next Game

Detroit is on the road to face the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight. Toronto superstar Auston Matthews boasts 68 goals and his teammates will be trying to help him reach the 70-goal mark. The Red Wings need a win to sustain their hope of qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in eight years.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Bruins GM Don Sweeney has been named Canada’s GM for the 2025 Four Nations Tournament and as the assistant GM for the 2026 Canadian Olympic hockey squad. Boston Bruins .

Colorado: Injured Mikko Rantanen is probable for tonight’s Colorado Avalanche game against the Winnipeg Jets.

Montreal: The Montreal Canadiens have signed dynamic Boston University defenseman Lane Hutson to an entry level contract. He has the potential to be an impact offensive defenseman.

Nashville: The Nashville Predators recalled veteran goalie Troy Grosenick from Milwaukee because they want to rest Juuse Saros before the NHL playoffs.

Philadelphia:  Flyers president Keith Jones weighed in on coach John Tortorella and the Philadelphia Flyers collapse.

Pittsburgh: With former Red Wings goalie Alex Nedeljkovic pushing Tristan Jarry aside, future decisions loom for Pittsburgh Penguins management.