Detroit Red Wings Playoff Hopes Still Alive: 2 Ways They Can Make It

DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings' playoff hopes are still alive after an exciting comeback win Monday night at the Little Caesars Arena.

The Red Wings trailed 4-1 in the second period and entered the third period down 4-2 before a pair of late goals by Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond. The latter came with just over a minute remaining in regulation.

Raymond went on to score the game winner in overtime with just under 30 seconds remaining, keeping the Red Wings' playoff chances alive, but they need some outside help. The Red Wings have two scenarios to capture the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference in their final regular season game Tuesday night.

Red Wings Win, Washington Capitals lose

Both the Red Wings and the Capitals enter their final regular season game Tuesday night tied with 89 points. A Red Wings win Tuesday night in Montreal will give them 91 points, earning them the last spot if the Capitals lose, either in regulation or overtime.

If the Capitals win Tuesday night in Philadelphia against the Flyers (who are also fighting for that last spot), the Red Wings will be eliminated because they don't own a tiebreaker.

Red Wings Overtime Lost, Capitals Lose, Penguins Lose

If the Red Wings lose in regulation Tuesday night in Montreal, they're eliminated from that final spot. But if they lose in overtime, they'll finish with 90 points and can still capture that final spot if the Capitals lose in regulation and if the Pittsburgh Penguins lose, either in regulation or overtime.

The Penguins (88 points) final game is Wednesday night on Long Island against the New York Islanders.

The Red Wings have not made the playoffs since 2016 when they lost in five games to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. Red Wings great Steve Yzerman took over the team five years ago.