The Detroit Red Wings are pushing hard to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Detroit won their second straight game, this time defeating divisional rivals the Montreal Canadiens. A regulation win tied Detroit with Montreal in points, however, the Red Wings are sitting in a wild card spot.
Andrew Copp made his return, nearly two weeks earlier than originally anticipated. Still, it was the line of J.T. Compher, Alex Debrincat and Patrick Kane that led the team. Debrincat had his second straight three point game, including scoring the game winner. Kane continues to look energized, adding an assist to his season. Compher, however, may be the biggest and most welcome surprise to the team right now.
J.T. Compher has spent much of the season playing in the bottom six. Thus, when both Dylan Larkin and Andrew Copp were hurt, things looked grim. However, Compher has found new life slotted between Kane and Debrincat right now. So much so, that the coaching staff opted to leave that line together even with Copp returning to action. That decision seemed to pay off, as all three factored heavily into the scoring.
This was a huge win for Detroit
The Red Wings are fighting hard to stave off a 10th straight miss of the post season. Montreal entered the game two points ahead, and a regulation loss would have seen Detroit drop out of the playoff picture. Conversely, a regulation win would close the gap and keep Detroit in the thick of the hunt. Thus, when Debrincat gave Detroit the lead with just over three minutes left, the team erupted in celebration. The Red Wings held on for the win, and entered a three way tie with Montreal and the Boston Bruins.
John Gibson continues to be a saving grace for Detroit, stopping 32 of 32 shots. Gibson’s contributions cannot be understated as part of Detroit’s best season in over a decade. In short, if Detroit makes it to the post season, Gibson is the likely MVP in that accomplishment. Therefore, it seems likely that Detroit will continue to ride Gibson for the majority of the final 13 games.
Every game is an elimination game
The Red Wings face perhaps an even greater challenge with their next game. The Boston Bruins are coming, and a regulation win or loss could see one team fall out of the playoff picture. Detroit will need all hands on deck, and reinforcements may be coming. Dylan Larkin is skating, however no timeline is being given for his return. Still, the return of Copp certainly stabilizes the top six as well as the penalty kill.
Detroit will need to treat every game as an elimination game to have a chance. The margin for error is essentially zero right now. Boston and Detroit are both fighting for their playoff lives as the season heads toward its end. After Saturday, one of those teams could well be on the outside looking in with time running out.
