This is going to be a Detroit Red Wings season, during which moments of celebration are always going to be accompanied by concerns and anticipation of trouble around the corner.

That’s the case this morning is they sit alone in first place in the Atlantic Division on the basis of points. Earning one point for an overtime 4-3 road loss to Minnesota puts Detroit ahead of Tampa Bay. According to moneypuck.com, the Red Wings playoff probability is at 86.2%. Their odds of lasting in the postseason until the second round is 40.4%.

Their next game is Saturday against a Winnipeg Jets team that has fallen from being the President’s Trophy winner last season to 29th place overall this season.

Those are Red Wings positives.

But they also know the reality is that the Lightning have four games in hand. If they win even one of those four extra games, the Red Wings drop to second.

Plus, defenseman Simon Edvinsson didn’t play Thursday because of an injury. His status for Saturday’s game seems unclear,

“He was questionable leaving Toronto last night,” Detroit coach Todd McLellan told the media after the game in St. Paul. “We thought we might be able to get him get him through another another game, but having tomorrow off will certainly help.”

Also, the Jets have not been playing like the No. 29 team of late. They are 5-1-2 in their last eight.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Defenseman Moritz Seider is receiving mentions in the Norris Trophy conversation.

The Red Wings keep stacking up wins in the Atlantic Division. 

Patrick Kane has one point in five games, but he’s on the verge of an important milestone.

Red Wings Extra

Carter Bear has started to surge in the WHL, picking up at least one point in seven out of his last eight games. The Red Wings 2025 first-round pick has five multipoint games in those eight contests. Bear shows seven goals and five assists for 12 points in this hot streak.  He picked up two goals in a 5-3 win against Kelowna Thursday. His 18 goals this season in 29 games now tie him for the Everett Silvertips team lead.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Oliver Moore received a Gordie Howe hat trick for his birthday. Chicago Blackhawks.

Florida: Goalie Daniil Tarasov delivered for the Panthers. It wasn’t the first time. Florida Panthers.

Pittsburgh: With the Penguins playing competitive hockey, Evgeni Malkin says he wants to play one more season. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: GM Mike Grier explains why he sent Igor Chernyshov to the AHL. San Jose Sharks. 

Vegas: GM Kelly McCrimmon says Rasmus Andersson was exactly the kind of player the Golden Knights were looking to add. Vegas Golden Knights.