Four scenarios exist where the Detroit Red Wings would clinch their 24th straight playoff appearance tonight:
1. If they beat the Canadiens in any fashion in Montreal.
2. If they get one point against the Habs and the Senators lose in any fashion to the depleted Rangers.
3. If they get one point against the Habs and the Bruins lose in regulation at Florida.
4. If the Senators lose in regulation.
Overall, it’s extremely unlikely that the Wings will fail to qualify. Even if they lose both of their remaining games in regulation (they finish the season Saturday in Carolina), it’s estimated they’d have an 83.0 percent chance of extending their streak.
“The bottom line for us is we’re in control of our situation,” said coach Mike Babcock, per the Associated Press.
That’s the good news. The bad news is the Wings haven’t been very successful the last couple of months. In fact, since Feb. 11, they’re 11-13-4. The last time they won consecutive games was over a month ago. Not the best way to go into the postseason, where they’ll face either Montreal, Tampa Bay, or the New York Rangers, assuming they do get there.
Babcock said it's same lineup tonight as last game, so Datsyuk is good to go,
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) April 9, 2015
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