Nobody likes losing.
The Detroit Red Wings are comprised of competitive hockey players. And just like everyone else who is competitive, they don't like losing.
However, the Red Wings aren't in a position to be a contender for the Stanley Cup this season. Because of this, GM Steve Yzerman didn't push all of his chips in at the Trade Deadline.
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He made a relatively minor move, sending out Joe Veleno and bringing in forward Craig Smith and goalie Petr Mrazek.
Despite this move, can the Red Wings make the playoffs? What do they need to do in order to get there? For the purposes of this piece, we will look at how many points a team has needed to make the playoffs, and how many games the Red Wings need to win in order to achieve that goal.
Steve Yzerman 2025 NHL Trade Deadline | March 7, 2025
Red Wings SVP & GM Steve Yzerman speaks with the media after the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline.
How Many Points Do The Red Wings Need To Make The Playoffs?
It may have been long ago, but the Red Wings barely missed last year's playoffs. The Washington Capitals snuck into the last Wild Card position with the same number of points but won it because of a tiebreaker.
That said, here are the point totals for the team in the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference for the last five years. Note: These results will not include the two seasons affected by the COVID-19 epidemic (2020-21 & 2019-20).
- 2023/24: 91 Points (Capitals)
- 2022/23: 92 Points (Panthers)
- 2021/22: 100 Points (Capitals)
- 2018/19: 98 Points (Blue Jackets)
- 2017/18: 97 Points (Devils)
Average Point Total: 95.6
For easy math, we will conclude that the Red Wings need 96 points to make the playoffs in the 2024-25 season.
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It's the final countdown.
How Many Games Do The Red Wings Need To Win To Make The Playoffs?
Now that we have figured out how many points it will (most likely) take to reach the post-season, another question needs to be answered - how many games do the Red Wings need to win to get there?
First, we must examine how many games are left on the schedule.
The Red Wings have played 63 games. This is an 82-game season, so they have 19 games remaining on their schedule.
Now, we look at points. The Red Wings currently have 66 points. Earlier, we discovered that they need approximately 96 points. So, the Red Wings must gain 30 points over the next 19 games.
One way they could do that is to win 15 games. Winning 15 games makes up the 30-point shortfall. Wins and losses are also the first two items considered in tiebreaker situations, so having more wins and fewer losses is imperative.
Winning 15 games would mean having a record that looks like 15-4-0, 15-2-2, 15-0-4, 15-1-3, or 15-3-1.
Realistic Expectations For The Red Wings
Is it possible that the Red Wings can win 15 of their next 19 games? There is always a chance, but it isn't likely. A more likely path is gaining the necessary points through a combination of wins and overtime/shootout losses.
First, we will apply the team's winning percentage for the remaining games under new coach Todd McLellan.
With McLellan at the helm, the Red Wings have a record of 17-10-2 in 29 games, a winning percentage of 58 percent. If the Red Wings win 58 percent of their last 19 games, that would give them 11 wins.
That gives them 22 of the 30 points they would need. The Red Wings would need another eight points to secure a playoff position. If they win 11 of 19 games, that only leaves them with eight games where they didn't win, and they would still need to gain points. So, continuing down this road means they must be 11-0-8 for the season's home stretch.
If the Red Wings lose half of those eight games, they would have a record of 11-4-4. Those 26 points, added to their current 66, give them 92 points. While that doesn't hit the average of the last five non-COVID seasons, it's important to note that the last two seasons, 91 and 92 points, have been enough to squeak into the playoffs.
A more likely path to 96 points would be for the Red Wings to turn on the jets and win 12 or 13 games.
They need a record that looks like 12-1-6, 13-2-4, or 14-3-2 to hit 96 points.
Regardless of how many points they need, the Red Wings need to win more than they lose over their final stretch. It's also important to note that they are currently three points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Wild Card Position.
It's going to be a long road to game 82 this year. The Red Wings will mark the road by playing the best hockey they have under McLellan and stopping their five-game losing streak dead in its tracks.
What do you think? Can the Red Wings pull themselves up by their bootstraps and win 12-15 games? Or will this season end like the last several, with disappointment and a long summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and please vote in our poll to let us know if you think the Red Wings will make the playoffs. We would love to hear from you!
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