Red Wings' Playoff Hopes Hinge on Power Play

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The Detroit Red Wings have struggled since the Olympic break, posting a four wins, four

losses, and two overtime losses record.

That has dropped them from a solid spot in the Atlantic Division into a tight wild car

chase, with little room for mistakes as the playoffs near.

Injuries, especially Captain Dylan Larkin's absence, have hurt their momentum.

Meanwhile, other division teams have pulled ahead, putting more pressure on Detroit to

climb back into contention and snap their long playoff drought.

The path forward is clear, score three or more goals per game, or hold opponents to three

or fewer.

When they hit those marks this season, the Red Wings are 30 wins, four losses, and six

ties strong on offense like that, and 35 wins.

Four losses, and three ties when defending well.

Special teams need to step up big time.

Their power play has dipped to a 14.3% success rate on 28 chances since the break, while the

penalty kill sits at, just 73.1%, giving up seven goals on 26 penalties.

With a tough stretch ahead against the Montreal Canadians, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins,

and Buffalo Sabers, Detroit is tweaking their power play, and focusing on execution across

the board to make this formula work every night.

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