Red Wings haven't played up to standards, but aren't giving up playoff chase
Detroit ā The situation looks grim. Most oddsmakers are pegging the Red Wings' chances of making the playoffs at less than 10%. There are only four games left for the Wings to make up ground and get into the playoff picture, and do that, at the minimum, they'd have to win all four games ā and get help from other teams.
It's not going to be easy, beginning with Thursday's game against Philadelphia at Little Caesars Arena. But there remains a belief system within the Wings' locker room that they can do this. "We haven't been playing to the standards we would want to, especially these last couple weeks and months," forward Lucas Raymond said.
"But we're going to keep fighting until the last game. The belief is in this room. We just have to go out there and win hockey games, it's as simple as that.
" The Wings led the Atlantic Division and were 12 points clear of a playoff spot. But it's gone terribly south since then, as they've won only six of their last 19 games (6-10-3) and are looking at missing the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season. The last two losses ā Sunday to Minnesota and Tuesday against Columbus ā have been crushing.
The Wild scored in the last several minutes to regain the lead after the Wings had rallied from a third-period three-goal deficit. Columbus tied the game with 17 seconds left, then won in a shootout. "I hope that's not the one, or Minnesota (Sunday's loss) isn't the one that is the final nail in the coffin.
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