The Detroit Red Wings had a chance to enhance their playoff chances on Saturday, but again came up short at Madison Square Garden.

The Wings lost to the last-place New York Rangers, 4-1, hampering their playoff hopes.

Detroit went into the game tied with Ottawa, Columbus and Philadelphia with 88 points.

Philly was idle Saturday, Columbus played Saturday night and Ottawa lost to Minnesota in a day game.

Saturday’s game started like too many have for the Red Wings down the stretch. The Rangers came out and shut down the Red Wings, scoring a goal in each period.

David Perron got the Red Wings on the board by scoring with 32 seconds left. 

John Gibson, starting his 14th consecutive game, stopped 17 of 20 shots.

Rookie Gabe Perreault had a hat trick for the Rangers,

Red Wings Takeaways

If or when the Red Wings miss the playoffs, this game will stand outy as a missed opportunity, The upcoming homestand likely consist of four must-win games, a challenge the Red Wings haven’t been able to meet for the last month.

Key Moment

Perreault’s second goal came seconds after J.T. Compher’s shot at the other end of the rink hit a goalpost. That Rangers score made it 3-0.

Key Stat

The Rangers’ win clinched playoff berths for Tampa Bay and Buffalo. It ended a 14-year playoff drought for the Sabres. That leaves the Red Wings, at nine seasons, with the longest current playoff drought in the NHL.

Up Next

Tbe Red Wings begin the final homestand Sunday against the Minnesota Wild.