Red Wings miss playoffs despite 5-4 shootout win over Canadiens
MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 16: Moritz Seider #53 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates his goal with teammates Lucas Raymond #23, Ben Chiarot #8 and Dylan Larkin #71 during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on April 16, 2
MONTREAL (AP) - Patrick Kane scored the shootout winner in a 5-4 Detroit win over the Montreal Canadiens in their regular-season finale Tuesday night, but the Red Wings were eliminated from playoff contention.
The Red Wings entered the night tied with Washington for the East’s second wild-card spot with 89 points. The Capitals, however, held the tiebreaker over Detroit with more regulations wins and clinched the final playoff spot with a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday.
Detroit has missed the playoffs eight straight seasons.
Daniel Sprong had a goal and an assist, while Moritz Seider, Joe Veleno and David Perron also scored for Detroit (41-32-9). The Red Wings prevailed in a dramatic 5-4 overtime victory over the Canadiens on home ice a day earlier.
James Reimer stopped 29 shots for Detroit.
Brendan Gallagher and Juraj Slafkovsky had a goal and an assist, while Alex Newhook and Cole Caufield also scored for Montreal (30-36-16). Cayden Primeau made 36 saves.
Canadiens fans got a first glimpse of some up-and-coming blueliners in the organization. Logan Mailloux made his NHL debut after spending the entire season with the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket. The 21-year-old produced one assist for his first NHL point.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Lane Hutson showed his moves, received loud applause and produced a crucial assist playing at the Bell Centre for the first time. He debuted Monday in Detroit, where he earned one assist.
MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 16: Goaltender James Reimer #47 of the Detroit Red Wings makes a stick save near Juraj Slafkovsky #20 of the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at the Bell Centre on April 16, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo