Red Wings’ Playoff Hopes Diminish as Another Game Slips Away: 5 Insights
The Detroit Red Wings surrendered a late lead and fell 4-3 in a shootout to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The rally began after a defensive-zone faceoff with 21 seconds left, and Columbus tied the game before overtime.
Game recap
Sean Monahan won the decisive faceoff that started the tying sequence. Adam Fantilli finished the play to pull Columbus level. The teams played five minutes of 3-on-3 overtime and then five shootout rounds.
Five takeaways
1. Costly mistakes swung momentum
Axel Sandin-Pellikka turned the puck over behind Detroit’s net early. That miscue led to Columbus opening the scoring. David Perron took two second-period penalties, one of which led to a Blue Jackets power-play goal.
2. Late faceoff battle decided the game
J.T. Compher won most of his draws, finishing near 64 percent on the night. He won two straight faceoffs on the final shift before Columbus tied it. Monahan finally won the third draw after an icing, and Columbus capitalized.
3. Over time control but not the result
Detroit dominated possession and outshot Columbus 7-3 in overtime. They could not score in 3-on-3 play. The loss moved the game to a shootout, where outcomes can swing quickly.
4. Goaltending in shootouts remains an issue
John Gibson’s career shootout save percentage sits near .613 across 36 appearances. This season he has struggled in the rare shootouts he has faced. Shootout play has therefore been a vulnerability for Detroit.
5. Key players showed signs of life
Dylan Larkin recorded a goal and an assist while generating shots and hits. Justin Faulk scored twice and provided a physical, offensive presence. Faulk had missed two games earlier, and his return improved the second defensive pairing.
Standings impact
Detroit sits three points behind Ottawa with four games left. They cannot win the regulation-wins tiebreaker, making the gap effectively four points. Moneypuck’s playoff model put Detroit’s odds at 6.3 percent late Tuesday night.
Broader pattern and missed opportunities
The team has lost several competitive edges recently. Earlier poor outings included a 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers and rough stretches in Pittsburgh. Detroit also fell behind by three goals against Minnesota, Philadelphia, and Ottawa.
Late-game lapses have cost points in consecutive games. A late incident involving Patrick Kane against Vancouver led to a winning goal. Combined with Fantilli’s tying goal Tuesday, the Red Wings lost at least two points in the closing moments of recent contests.
Red Wings’ playoff hopes have diminished as another game slipped away, and these five insights explain why. Filmogaz.com will continue to track Detroit’s remaining games and playoff chase.
