DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings have not been getting the results they've needed the past few weeks in their quest for a 24th-consecutive trip to the postseason.
They've gone 3-6-1 in their past 10 games and have allowed a total 16 goals against in their past three losses. The Boston Bruins, who currently sit in 8th place in the conference, are just 3 points behind Detroit for that 3rd spot in the Atlantic Division. The Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers also are battling for the 8th spot.
For all intents and purposes, playoff hockey is here. The Red Wings will need to start playing like it.
The Wings have seven games remaining on their regular season schedule including two big ones this week: They will host the Senators on Tuesday and the Bruins on Thursday.
Tuesday vs. Ottawa Senators (7:30 p.m. on FSDT, RDS):
A few weeks ago the Senators were a longshot for the playoffs. Then they went on a tear, winning 10 games in March (seven straight).
Goalie Andrew Hammond led that surge. "The Hamburglar" was 14-0-1 before losing last week to the New York Rangers. His record is 14-1-1 with a .938 save percentage and 1.92 goals against average.
Now he's dealing with a lower-body injury and has missed the past two games. Craig Anderson has started in his place -- both losses. Whether Hammond will be back between the pipes for Tuesday's meeting with the Red Wings is unclear.
One thing is clear: the Senators are desperate for a win -- especially over Detroit -- after dropping three straight.
Season series: Detroit (2-1-0)
Thursday vs. Boston Bruins (7:30 p.m. on NBCS, NESN, FSDT):
With key injuries early in the season, the Bruins took a while to come around. They finally marched their way back into the playoff picture earlier this month, only to slump back in a six-game losing streak.
That's how it has gone for the Bs this season. They've showed signs of the powerful team they've come to be known as during the past five seasons, but they haven't shown any consistency.
Now, they're clinging to that last playoff spot and nipping at the Red Wings' heels. Is this the same team which handled Detroit in five games last postseason? They certainly don't appear to be, but they could play a part in knocking the Wings out of the playoffs before they even begin.
Season series: Boston (3-1-0)
Saturday and Sunday: Another weekend with back-to-back games
The Red Wings went 1-1 this past weekend in back-to back games against Tampa and the New York Islanders. This upcoming weekend will include a trip to Minnesota for a game against the playoff-ready Wild on Saturday night. That will be followed by a Sunday evening game against Alex Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals.