It’s absolutely no secret that the Red Wings have struggled this season. Fans have been forced to accept that the team they’ve watched be so dominant for so long is now so awful. It’s going to be even harder for fans to accept that as early as Tuesday night in Carolina, the Wings famous 25 season long playoff streak could officially come to an end.
Detroit will be mathematically eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoff contention if they lose against the Hurricanes tonight, and Boston collects 2 points, and Toronto gets a point in any way possible. Both Bruins and Maple Leafs hold the tie-breaker against the Red Wings.
It will end the longest current playoff streak in North American sports, and will be the first time since the 1989-90 season that the Stanley Cup Playoffs won’t feature Detroit. The NBA’s San Antonio Spurs will take over the record, as their streak is 20 years. The longest current NHL playoff streak is Pittsburgh at 10 years. Detroit’s 25 year long streak is the 3rd longest in NHL history.
Even though the Wings have been playing arguably their best hockey of the season lately, they know it’s too little too late. Detroit will officially end the regular season on April 9th as well as close down Joe Louis Arena. It’s quite sad to think there will never be another playoff game in that building. Detroit’s playoff hopes are on life-support, all that’s left is to pull the plug.
