Austin Konenski
The Detroit Red Wings need to start winning games. After losing to the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators in heartbreaking fashion, Detroit sits one point out of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 11 games remaining in the regular season. Despite earning 84 points through 71 games, the Red Wings need more.
Last season, the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference was earned by the Montreal Canadiens. The organization earned 91 points over 82 games, making the Stanley Cup Playoffs by two points. The Eastern Conference has been on fire during the 2025-26 NHL season, and Detroit has to join the party.
The Red Wings have a 3-5-2 record over the last 10 games. If Detroit repeats that over the next 11 games, it will end with roughly 92-94 points, which likely won’t be enough to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So, what challenges are the Red Wings facing over the next 11 games?
Honestly, the schedule is in Detroit’s favor, but it must take advantage of what lies ahead.
Detroit Red Wings’ playoff outlook, remaining schedule in 2026
The Red Wings have the 10th-hardest remaining schedule in the NHL, with six of their 11 games against teams outside of the playoffs. Detroit doesn’t have a great draw with games against the Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, and Tampa Bay Lightning; however, other bubble teams have a much worse schedule.
As of Thursday, March 26, the New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, Bruins, and Senators have the top-4 hardest remaining schedules in the NHL. Ironically, all four teams are battling the Red Wings for the two Wild Card spots in the Eastern Conference. It is a fantastic situation for Detroit.
Despite having the 10th-hardest schedule, the Red Wings have a favorable draw with other teams. Boston has to play the Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota, Columbus, and Tampa Bay twice. Meanwhile, New York must play Dallas, Buffalo, Montreal, Ottawa, and Carolina twice.
Ottawa has a tough schedule as well, with Carolina, Buffalo, Minnesota, New York, and Tampa Bay twice. Finally, Columbus is tasked with Buffalo, Detroit, Carolina twice, Boston twice, and Montreal twice. Needless to say, the Red Wings have a more realistic path to the Stanley Cup Playoffs than other teams in the Eastern Conference.
If the Red Wings can win two of their three remaining games against the Philadelphia Flyers, they will be in a great situation moving forward. However, Detroit has to capitalize on its games against the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, and New Jersey Devils.
As of now, MoneyPuck has the Red Wings with a 42.4% chance to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs; however, their odds feel higher. Detroit should be able to control its destiny unless other teams go scorched earth to close out the season.
If the Red Wings want to end a nine-year playoff drought, they will have to earn it over the next 11 games.
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