This is NHL Predictions, and today\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
NHL Predictions With the Red Wings and Rangers<\/p>\n
Season Series: 1-1-0<\/p>\n
Puck Drop: 12:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
How to Watch<\/a>: ABC, Sportsnet<\/p>\n 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<\/a> and picking up their game in April, and facing the Eastern Conference\u2019s weakest team is the best way to snag a quick and convincing win.<\/p>\n The Rangers are two years removed from winning the Presidents\u2019 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.<\/p>\n Credit Image: \u00a9 Luis Santana\/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire<\/p>\n 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\u2019re stronger than on paper. This game against the Rangers will be their litmus test.<\/p>\n The Rangers are playing for respect. Landing a top prospect<\/a> like Gavin McKenna<\/a> or Ivar Stenberg will reinvigorate this franchise, but this group also doesn\u2019t want to finish at the bottom of the East. Expect them to embrace the \u201cspoiler\u201d role.<\/p>\n Eastern Conference Wild Card Standings<\/p>\n Team \u2013 GP \u2013 Pts \u2013 RW<\/p>\n BOS \u2013 76 \u2013 94 \u2013 31 CBJ \u2013 76 \u2013 88 \u2013 27 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\u2019s that they still have a much-needed game in hand and they have more regulation wins. With Detroit\u2019s win over the Flyers on Thursday, it puts them one step closer to seeing Ottawa as their primary challenger.<\/p>\n Biggest Issue Facing the Red Wings<\/p>\n 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\u2019t have enough of them.<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Rangers Veterans Looking to Prove Their Worth<\/p>\n 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<\/a> and possibly even players as young as Alexis Lafreniere<\/a> could be on the move and may be auditioning for other front offices at the moment.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s favor, as it would let them further raise their asking price.<\/p>\n NHL Predictions<\/p>\n While the Red Wings aren\u2019t 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\u2019t start April off on a high note.<\/p>\n Red Wings 4 \u2013 Rangers 3<\/p>\n Prop Bets<\/p>\n Alex DeBrincat<\/a> has played beyond elite status this season<\/a>. He has a career-high 80 points and an eye-popping 39 goals, and he isn\u2019t done yet. Mika Zibanejad<\/a> has three goals in his last five contests, and is one player opponents must account for at all times.<\/p>\n Main Photo Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This is NHL Predictions, and today\u2019s edition features two teams whose centennial seasons went in different directions. 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OTT \u2013 75 \u2013 88 \u2013 33
DET \u2013 75 \u2013 88 \u2013 29<\/p>\n
PHI \u2013 76 \u2013 88 \u2013 24
WAS \u2013 76 \u2013 85 \u2013 32<\/p>\n