This is NHL Predictions, and today’s edition features two teams whose centennial seasons went in different directions. The Detroit Red Wings still have a reason to hope they can make the playoffs. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers are playing to acquire the highest-possible lottery pick.

NHL Predictions With the Red Wings and Rangers

Season Series: 1-1-0

Puck Drop: 12:30 p.m.

How to Watch: ABC, Sportsnet

Despite an awful March, the Red Wings are in a fight for the final Wild Card spot with four other teams in the Atlantic. Detroit is used to fizzling in March and picking up their game in April, and facing the Eastern Conference’s weakest team is the best way to snag a quick and convincing win.

The Rangers are two years removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy and they look like a far cry from what they were. Few teams have struggled more in finding the net than the Blueshirts, and given their still-dynamic goaltending, their performance in the offensive zone is a key reason they have played such poor hockey.

Credit Image: © Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire

The Red Wings needed a big win and they got one over the Philadelphia Flyers. If they want to truly put themselves in a prime position to make the playoffs, they must beat teams they’re stronger than on paper. This game against the Rangers will be their litmus test.

The Rangers are playing for respect. Landing a top prospect like Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg will reinvigorate this franchise, but this group also doesn’t want to finish at the bottom of the East. Expect them to embrace the “spoiler” role.

Eastern Conference Wild Card Standings

Team – GP – Pts – RW

BOS – 76 – 94 – 31
OTT – 75 – 88 – 33
DET – 75 – 88 – 29

CBJ – 76 – 88 – 27
PHI – 76 – 88 – 24
WAS – 76 – 85 – 32

The Bruins still look like they have the top Wild Card locked, but look at the logjam between the Senators, Wings, and Blue Jackets. If the Wings and Senators have an advantage, it’s that they still have a much-needed game in hand and they have more regulation wins. With Detroit’s win over the Flyers on Thursday, it puts them one step closer to seeing Ottawa as their primary challenger.

Biggest Issue Facing the Red Wings

One reason the Red Wings struggled in March is because of their bottom six. As the playoffs draw nearer a bottom six full of depth scorers, grinders, and hard hitters becomes a premium, and the Wings don’t have enough of them.

It’s another reason playing a weak team like the Rangers raises the stakes. The bottom six can regain much-needed confidence here. Something they will need with an upcoming homestand featuring opponents like the Minnesota Wild, the Blue Jackets, and the Flyers.

Rangers Veterans Looking to Prove Their Worth

With the Rangers most likely retooling after the season, especially with a high draft pick, look for their seasoned vets to go all out. Vincent Trocheck and possibly even players as young as Alexis Lafreniere could be on the move and may be auditioning for other front offices at the moment.

Taking on a playoff-calibre team that has struggled lately is a golden opportunity for players like Trocheck and Lafreniere. It would also work in the organization’s favor, as it would let them further raise their asking price.

NHL Predictions

While the Red Wings aren’t deep and have a habit of playing bad hockey in March, they seem to get their act together in April. That has already been the case once this month. Meanwhile, the Rangers have been streaky with two winning streaks of three-plus games in March and a six-game losing streak sandwiched in. New York also didn’t start April off on a high note.

Red Wings 4 – Rangers 3

Prop Bets

Alex DeBrincat has played beyond elite status this season. He has a career-high 80 points and an eye-popping 39 goals, and he isn’t done yet. Mika Zibanejad has three goals in his last five contests, and is one player opponents must account for at all times.

Main Photo Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

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