Self-Inflicted Wounds Doom Red Wings to Another Season Without Playoff Hockey
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images The post Self-Inflicted Wounds Doom Red Wings to Another Season Without Playoff Hockey appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now . Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Dylan Larkin’s best friend pretty much assured that the Detroit Red Wings captain will be spending another spring without playoff hockey. Zach Werenski, Larkin’s former Michigan Wolverines teammate and his off-ice bestie, scored the winner as the Columbus Blue Jackets came from behind for a 4-3 shootout victory over the Red Wings on Tuesday.
“Not much to say right now,” was Larkin’s post-game assessment. “That’s a letdown and in tough fashion again. ” What the hell is going on in Detroit 😂 pic.
twitter. com/HB9ZJFsEuu — Drew Livingstone (@ProducerDrew_) April 8, 2026 Coupled with wins by the Ottawa Senators (6-2 over the Tampa Bay Lightning) and Philadelphia Flyers (5-1 over the New Jersey Devils), the Red Wings are now three points behind the Sens for the second Eastern Conference Wild Card spot for the NHL playoffs. In reality, though, they trail by four points.
The Wings would lose the tiebreaker to Ottawa, so they must finish ahead of the Senators. Yes, Detroit got a point on Tuesday, but it was about as pointless a point as they could get. “We know we have to give everything every night, try and get two points every night,” Detroit defenseman Justin Faulk said.
“Right now, we’ve got a hill to climb. ” And it’s a steep one at that. “We’re in must-win territory now,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said.