Red Wings Playoff Hopes Fade as Rivals Gain Ground

Detroit's postseason chances take a hit as Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens continue to win

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:10pm

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The Detroit Red Wings' playoff aspirations took another hit on Sunday as the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens both picked up wins, further distancing themselves from the struggling Red Wings in the standings. The Red Wings now find themselves eight points back of the Canadiens in the Atlantic Division and six points behind the Bruins for the final wild card spot.

Why it matters

The Red Wings' inability to keep pace with their divisional rivals puts their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy, as they now face an uphill battle to secure a postseason berth. This could have significant implications for the franchise, which is looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

The details

On Sunday, the Canadiens defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 to reach 94 points on the season, while the Bruins edged the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3. The Red Wings, meanwhile, were idle, allowing their competitors to widen the gap. Detroit now sits two points behind the Blue Jackets for the second wild card spot, with a crucial road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.

  • The Red Wings lost ground in their playoff quest on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • The Canadiens won their fifth straight game on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • The Bruins defeated the Blue Jackets on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • The Red Wings will play the Penguins on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Detroit Red Wings

An NHL team based in Detroit, Michigan that is currently struggling to secure a playoff berth.

Montreal Canadiens

An NHL team based in Montreal, Quebec that is currently third in the Atlantic Division and eight points ahead of the Red Wings.

Boston Bruins

An NHL team based in Boston, Massachusetts that is currently holding the first wild card spot and six points ahead of the Red Wings.

Columbus Blue Jackets

An NHL team based in Columbus, Ohio that is currently holding the second wild card spot, two points ahead of the Red Wings.

Pittsburgh Penguins

An NHL team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that the Red Wings will face on the road on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“It's commonplace to tell those with problems to sleep on it and it will better in the morning. That hasn't been the case for the Detroit Red Wings and their quest to make the playoffs.”

— Kevin Allen, Author

“Bob Duff asks whether this Red Wings group is truly up for this NHL playoff fight?”

— Bob Duff, Columnist

What’s next

The Red Wings will play a crucial road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as they look to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.

The takeaway

The Red Wings' inability to keep pace with their divisional rivals has put their playoff aspirations in serious jeopardy, raising questions about the team's ability to compete at the highest level and potentially signaling the need for significant changes within the organization.