The Detroit Red Wings have been one of the most successful franchises in NHL history.
They have won 11 Stanley Cups, the third most of any NHL franchise, and most by any American NHL team.
Only the Montreal Canadiens (23) and Toronto Maple Leafs (13) have won more Stanley Cups than the Detroit Red Wings.
Despite much success, the Detroit Red Wings have struggled in recent years. They have not been to the playoffs since 2016.
They were very close last year, but just missed the postseason. This led to the Red Wings having more expectations this year but things have not panned out as hoped.
On December 26, 2024, the Detroit Red Wings fired head coach Derek Lalonde and named Todd McLellan, as his replacement. Since McLellan took over, the Red Wings are 4-1.
Below, we discuss the Detroit Red Wings’ season and whether they can make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Detroit Red Wings Not Having Season They Hoped
The Detroit Red Wings are 17-18-4 and have 38 points on the year. They are second last in the Atlantic Division but just two points away from the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
With almost half the games done during the season, just seven points separate the final wild-card team and the Buffalo Sabres, who are last in the Eastern Conference. It is a tight race in the East and Detroit will need to continue to play well.
The Red Wings have been better on offense recently. They scored four or more goals in six of their last 10 games. However, they only rank 25th in goals per game and last in shots per game. The defense and goaltending have been poor for Detroit this season. They rank 25th in goals against per game and 26th in shots against per game.
With Lucas Raymond, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Patrick Kane, the offense should continue to roll for Detroit. Last year, the Red Wings ranked ninth in goals per game. The offense has been disappointing this year but they have been better recently and should continue to play well.
Cam Talbot is having a down season between the pipes but a poor defense in front of him is making it difficult for Talbot to be successful. Alex Lyon has allowed two goals in each of his last three starts. Lyon has been better than Talbot and the Red Wings should start Lyon in more games.
Will The Red Wings Make The Playoffs For The First Time Since 2016?
The next four games for the Red Wings will dictate a lot. Detroit is set for a four-game home stand against the Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle Kraken, and San Jose Sharks. After winning four straight, they should continue their momentum and rack up wins on this home stand. All four home games are very winnable and Detroit can make a strong push in the Eastern Conference over their next four games.
If Detroit can take advantage of their next four games, they will better position themselves in the
Eastern Conference.
Another move Detroit needs to make is to start Alex Lyon more between the pipes than Cam Talbot. Lyon has been better this season and Detroit needs their goaltending to improve.
After ranking ninth in goals per game last year, their offense needs to continue to play well. They only rank 25th in goals per game this year but they’ve been playing better. With a four-game home stand, this is a golden opportunity for their offense to shine and pick up from last year.
Detroit will make a strong push in the Eastern Conference. They are just two points away from the Ottawa Senators, who hold the final wild-card spot. Look for the Red Wings to get hot, climb the standings in the Eastern Conference, and make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
