The Daily: Red Wings May Fall Out of Playoffs Today; Augustine Stars

The Detroit Red Wings woke up still in a playoff spot. But they may go to bed wondering what it will take to get back in.

Coach Derek Lalonde’s crew played well Saturday, but lost a disappointing 1-0 decision to the high-flying Nashville Predators. They are 15-0-2 in their last 17. Here’s Bob Duff’s take on the Detroit game.

The Washington Capitals were idle Saturday, leaving them with two games in hand over the Red Wings. That will change today because the Capitals will play the Winnipeg Jets at 12:30 today (NHL Network) with a chance to move past the Red Wings for the second wild card position. The Capitals will move past Detroit with a victory.

The Capitals have won four of their last five, but have given up 13 goals in their last two games. They are playing a Jets team that is 5-5 in their last 10.

8️⃣4️⃣6️⃣ pic.twitter.com/PSAn7BWiBr

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 23, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Detroit prospect Trey Augustine was honored as the top performer in Michigan State’s 5-4 overtime win against Michigan in the Big Ten title game. He totaled 33 saves.
• You gotta see it: Detroit defenseman Moritz Seider was involved in his first NHL fight.
• If the Red Wings qualify for the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, who would be their starting goalie? Alex Lyon? James Reimer? Ville Husso? All three Detroit goalies have had their moments.
• The Nashville Predators handed the Red Wings a disappointing loss. Coach Derek Lalonde’s team are not rewarded for playing well defensively.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings resume their crucial five-game road trip with a game Tuesday against the Capitals in Washington. Last week, it was said the Red Wings’ game against the New York Islanders was their biggest game of the season. Now, this game against the surging Capitals is their biggest game.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Bruins coach Jim Montgomery wants Brad Marchand to be a bit more patient on the ice. Boston Bruins. 

Montreal: Marco D’Amico explains why the Calgary Flames’ retooling could be beneficial to the Montreal Canadiens.

New Jersey: The New Jersey Devils squandered an opportunity by losing to the Ottawa Senators.

New York: The New York Islanders playoff hopes were resuscitated by a win against the Winnipeg Jets.

Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Flyers took a major step toward qualifying for the playoffs by downing the Boston Bruins. Sam Carchidi has five takeaways.

Pittsburgh:  Dave Molinari writes that the Pittsburgh Penguins are in a race of sorts, just not the playoff race they wanted. Here’s what Penguins fans should be thinking about as the losses pile up.