Debate: Is the Red Wings' playoff streak in jeopardy?
The Detroit Red Wings, losers of three in a row, are only two points ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers, who are 5-1-0 in their past six games, for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Detroit missed an opportunity to gain breathing room over the Flyers on Tuesday night, losing 5-3 to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Red Wings have advanced to the playoffs in 24 consecutive seasons, the longest active streak in the NHL. Is this streak in jeopardy? NHL columnist Kevin Allen and digital producer Kristen Shilton weigh in.
Allen: It's going to be a wild ride, but it seems unlikely that Detroit captain Henrik Zetterberg would let this streak end on his watch. The Red Wings haven't look sharp of late, but their primary problem has been the power play, which ranks 24th. With a lineup that includes Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Tomas Tatar, Gustav Nyquist and Mike Green, among others, the power play unit won't remain ineffective forever. This same cast of characters gave Detroit the second-best power play last season. Nyquist and Tatar in particular are overdue for a hot streak.
Shilton: I didn't disagree with the Red Wings' decision not to make any major moves before the trade deadline. And I admire coach Jeff Blashill's defense of his roster as many questioned standing pat. But it takes more than the will of aging stars to grind out wins late in the regular season. Like Detroit, Philadelphia isn't the most talented team. But the Flyers are resilient. They've made adjustments, and they've overcome injuries. Most importantly, they're peaking at the right time. The Red Wings just lost to the Chicago Blackhawks by three goals twice in five days. That raises questions about their ability make adjustments and persevere in this tight race to the finish line.
Allen: Losing to Chicago is no dishonor, and the Red Wings looked sharper in the second loss. I don't believe there were many guys in the trade market that would have given them a better opportunity to win than the current players on their roster. Goalie Petr Mrazek was a force for much of this season, and now he's in the midst of a mini slump (.893 save percentage in his past five games). Given that he is 23, that isn't unexpected. But they will need him to be a difference-maker. Some people believe Dylan Larkin is the key young player here. But it's actually Mrazek. To make the playoffs and/or excel in the playoffs, they will need him to be a difference-maker again.
Shilton: I agree that the Red Wings' playoff streak hinges on Mrazek. I'm just not convinced he's at a level yet where he can handle the pressure in a tight playoff race on a team that isn't helping him offensively. Detroit is 22nd in goals scored; Zetterberg and Datsyuk combined only have 25. One of the most important tools for a goalie is confidence, in himself and the guys he's playing with. The Red Wings have been far too inconsistent. They lost five of six, won three straight, and are now back on a losing streak. The third period has been a struggle. It's hard to feel confident when the team hasn't found the right formula this late in the year.
Allen: The Red Wings' next four games are very important. They will play three home games: against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, the New York Rangers on Saturday and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday. Then, they travel to play the Flyers on Tuesday. As long as they leave Philadelphia with a lead in the race, they are on a path to 25 in a row.
Shilton: The Flyers have played one fewer game than the Red Wings, and they’ve already won the first head-to-head matchup. It won’t be easy for Detroit if it doesn’t execute when it matters most. The Red Wings teams in the past have. This one still has something to prove.