The Detroit Red Wings don’t need a miracle on ice like the 1980 U.S. Olympic team needed, but it is trending in that direction when it comes to qualifying for the NHL playoffs.

Moneypuck.com pegs Detroit’s playoff probability at 15%.

Let’s look at it in real terms. The Ottawa Senators are two points ahead of Detroit for the final playoff spot and hold a tiebreaker advantage. Each team has five games left.

If the Senators earn six points in their final five games, the Red Wings would need to earn nine out of a possible 10 points in their last five games. Keep in mind that the Red Wings have been one of the NHL’s worst teams down the stretch. They are 2-6 in their last eight games and 6-9-2 since March 2. The Red Wings have surrendered five goals three times in their last five games.

The Senators’ last five are against: Tampa Bay and Florida (home), New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils (away) and Toronto Maple Leafs (home).

The Red Wings are home against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils and then away for games against Tampa Bay and Florida.

Of course, this scenario doesn’t factor in that the New York Islanders (four games remaining) are one point ahead of Detroit and the Blue Jackets are tied with Detroit. If Detroit loses to Columbus (Tuesday), the Red Wings task becomes even more

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff has his tongue in cheek when he says it’s the Detroit fans’ fault that the Red Wings are failing.

The Red Wings are running out of time. Coach Todd McLellan has already run out of patience.

GM Steve Yzerman signs forward Noah Dower-Nilsson to an entry level contract.

Red Wings Extra

If you are a Detroit Red Wings fan, it might be challenging right now to be excited about Eddie Genborg when he likely isn’t going to be in the NHL until 2027-28. He’s a tough forward, hard to play against, with enough skill to contribute some offensive. The Red Wings’ ongoing collapse is tamping down enthusiasm about the future. But if you missed Genborg’s first AHL goal two days ago, here is is:

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