Former Red Wings general manager Ken Holland popularized the belief that teams that are in an NHL playoff spot on “American Thanksgiving” would still be there in April.

Research has proven there’s something to it. But it’s far from foolproof. History shows the vast majority of teams that hold a playoff spot on Thanksgiving do indeed qualify for the playoffs. It’s all about probability.

That’s why it’s disheartening for some fans that Wednesday’s Red Wings’ 6-3 loss to the last-place Nashville Predators means the team is now below the playoff line in the official NHL standings. The Red Wings were outscored 5-1 in the third period. Detroit hasn’t been in the playoffs for nine years.

If you want to make a case for extenuating circumstances, facts are available. The Pittsburgh Penguins hold the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference with 27 points. The Red Wings also have 27 points, but the Penguins have two games in hand.

🦃 AMERICAN THANKSGIVING almost here in the NHL – how every team has done when IN or OUT of a playoff spot on Thanksgiving since 1999-2000.

The Flyers/Sharks/Panthers are perfect, if they are IN at Thanksgiving, they are IN the playoffs…..

FLA v PHI game tonight is a BIG ONE pic.twitter.com/mGbUhyH1Hr

— Petey (@spetershockey) November 26, 2025

“Unfortunately just individual mistakes that lead to goals and we just got to make sure we don’t give up easy offense like that,” defenseman Moritz Seider said. “It’s kind of the turning point in those crucial games lately. And a lot of good, still a lot of good things happen in the o-zone… And sometimes it comes really down to the details and we weren’t detailed enough.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Former Red Wings player Todd Bertuzzi is having a record-breaking season as a coach.

Detroit inconsistent defensive play is making opponents look better than they are.

Coach Todd McLellan is back “to the drawing board” after demoralizing loss to Nashville Predators

Red Wings Extra

Alex DeBrincat has scored in each of his last three games. It marks DeBrincat’s third goal streak of at least three games this season (also four games played from Oct. 25-31; three games played from Nov. 13-16). Seven of DeBrincat’s 12 goals this season have come on the power play. DeBrincat’s seven power play goals are tied for the second-most among all NHL skaters behind Wyatt Johnston (9). DeBrincat has produced 11 points (8-3-11) in eight games since Nov. 13 vs. Anaheim… Captain Dylan Larkin (347 career assists) is two assists away from tying Niklas Kronwall (349) for 11th place on Detroit’s all-time list.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Coach Jeff Blashill sounds his appreciation for Connor Bedard and his goaltending. Chicago Blackhawks.

New Jersey: Evgenii Dadonov is out with for an extended period with another injury. New Jersey Devils. 

Philadelphia: Could the Flyers make a run at acquiring Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks? William James looks at the possibilities. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Vegas: What Mark Stone’s return means for the Vegas Golden Knights. It’s a Happy Thanksgiving in Vegas. Vegas Golden Knights.