Red Wings Facing Playoff Elimination as 'Tragic Number' Drops

Detroit needs to win out, but Ottawa's success could end their postseason hopes.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of red, white, and blue, capturing the intensity and uncertainty of the Red Wings' playoff push.The Red Wings' playoff hopes hang in the balance as they fight to avoid elimination in the final weeks of the NHL season.Philadelphia Today

The Detroit Red Wings are on the brink of playoff elimination, with their 'tragic number' dropping to 3 after a loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. If the Red Wings lose their next two games and the Ottawa Senators win their next one, Detroit will be out of the NHL playoff race - again.

Why it matters

The Red Wings have struggled to climb the standings this season, and their inability to win consistently has put them in a precarious position heading into the final weeks. Fans are hoping the team can find a way to extend their season, but the odds are stacking against them.

The details

Red Wings coach Todd McLellan delivered a direct message to his team after practice on Wednesday, reminding them of their dire situation. The Red Wings' 'tragic number' - the combined total of their losses and Ottawa Senators wins needed to eliminate them - is down to 3. That means if the Red Wings lose to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday and the Senators beat the Florida Panthers, Detroit will be officially out of the playoff race, even if they win their final two games.

  • The Red Wings have 4 games left in the regular season.
  • If the Red Wings lose to the Flyers on Thursday and the Senators beat the Panthers, the Red Wings will be eliminated.
  • The Red Wings' final regular season game is on April 15 against the Florida Panthers.

The players

Todd McLellan

Head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.

Moritz Seider

Defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings.

Dylan Larkin

Captain of the Detroit Red Wings.

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What they’re saying

“I told them what I thought of their game yesterday, which was pretty damn good. Also reminded them of where we are.”

— Todd McLellan, Head Coach

“We're still in this and we're in this together. That should be the mindset and that's how we should approach every single day and don't have to worry about anything else but getting points. If we get that message across, it's a pretty simple message.”

— Moritz Seider, Defenseman

“We've just got to want it more than the opponent. If you want it more, I think you can have an advantage. You have an edge on your opponent. We've got to show that from minute one.”

— Moritz Seider, Defenseman

What’s next

The Red Wings must win their next two games, and hope the Senators lose their next one, in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. The team's final regular season game is on April 15 against the Florida Panthers.

The takeaway

The Red Wings' inability to string together wins this season has put them in a precarious position, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. The team must find a way to play with desperation and determination in their final games if they want to extend their season.