DETROIT – Before this past weekend, the Detroit Red Wings had less than a 1 percent chance of making the playoffs.
Their playoff chances got even worse after they failed to score against the St. Louis Blues. Meanwhile, forward Gustav Nyquist, who has struggled to find offense all season, was suspended six games for high sticking a Minnesota Wild player in the face.
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The Red Wings were in last place and tanking the rest of the season for a better draft pick appeared to be the best, and only, option.
But things changed a little this weekend after they beat the NHL-best Washington Capitals, 3-2, in a shootout Saturday afternoon and turned around the next day to beat the Stanley Cup-defending Pittsburgh Penguins, 5-2.
The Red Wings now are 7 points out of a playoff spot with 23 games left to play.
Should fans hope for a last-ditch effort to secure a playoff appearance in the final season at Joe Louis Arena, or is tanking still the only way for this team to go? Last place would get them a higher pick in the draft than, say, finishing in 9th. But with experts calling this year's NHL draft class weak, is it worth it to tank?
The trade deadline is coming up quickly. There are no firm indications GM Ken Holland has plans to move anyone, especially if the team has a fighting chance to grab a spot in the post season.
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