Huge 3rd-period rally falls short as Detroit Red Wings slide continues
Detroit Red Wings score: After slumbering for 2 periods, the Wings scored 3 in less than 8 minutes before surrendering the winner on a power play.
The Detroit Red Wings turned it on late, again, after they'd been booed at home for giving up four straight goals. They chipped away at the Minnesota Wild's lead starting near the midpoint of the third period on Sunday, April 5, earnings cheers from fans at Little Caesars Arena not that long after jeers had greeted their departure for the second intermission. But that's what p laying with energy and emotion and drive can accomplish – a lesson the Wings would be smart to employ sooner in games.
Because ultimately the rally was too little, too late, as the Wild won, 5-4. The Wings (40-28-8, 88 points) remain on the outside of the playoff cutoff with five games left. They lost both games over the weekend, and six of their last eight.
Since the start of March, the Wings have gone 6-9-2, banking just 14 of a possible 34 points. STEVIE, WHY? : What happens to Steve Yzerman if Detroit Red Wings miss playoffs again Detroit Red Wings playoff picture None of the other games that mattered in the standings were in the books when the Wings finished their game.
Two of the other teams coming into the day with 88 points were in action: The Philadelphia Flyers against the Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Columbus Blue Jackets were idle. The Washington Capitals, still in the race with 87 points when the day began, were also in action, against the New York Rangers.