The Detroit Red Wings find themselves at a critical juncture, needing to win the majority of their last eight games to have any hope of reaching the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. Currently sitting at 34-33-7 with 75 points, the team is four points behind the Eastern Conference’s second wild card spot. Recent form has been dismal, having won only four of their last 16 games, which places them at the bottom of the league in terms of winning percentage.

Looking ahead, the Wings face tough opponents, including the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning, both of whom are vying for playoff positioning themselves. Predictions suggest they might manage wins against the Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils, but the overall outlook appears grim, with the need for other teams to falter as well. The Red Wings may need a near-perfect finish to even have a chance of postseason play.

Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan provided encouraging updates on goaltender Petr Mrazek and forward Elmer Soderblom. Mrazek is expected to resume skating soon, while Soderblom is listed as day-to-day but has been skating and will travel with the team. In Edmonton, Connor McDavid is making solid progress from his injury, with a potential return by the end of the regular season. Goaltender Stuart Skinner and defenseman Mattias Ekholm are also nearing returns.

The Florida Panthers faced a setback as Nico Sturm left the game early with an undisclosed injury, while coach Paul Maurice is hopeful that Sturm can return soon. In Vancouver, coach Rick Tocchet stated that it’s doubtful Filip Chytil will return this season due to a concussion recovery, although Elias Pettersson's return is anticipated by season's end.

Meanwhile, Tomas Hertl of the Vegas Golden Knights remains out but is expected to be ready for the playoffs after dealing with an upper-body injury. The Winnipeg Jets are dealing with injuries to Luke Schenn and Neal Pionk, with the latter starting to skate again soon.

In a thrilling overtime finish, Cam Fowler netted the game-winning goal with just 1:34 left in the extra period, leading the St. Louis Blues to a narrow 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. This marks the Blues' 10th consecutive win, further securing their position in the Western Conference playoff race. Jordan Kyrou also contributed, scoring his 32nd goal of the season in the final seconds of regulation to tie the game. Goaltender Jordan Binnington was instrumental, making 20 saves, while Cam Talbot stood tall for Detroit with 35 saves.

Detroit's J.T. Compher opened the scoring early in the third period, but the Blues showcased resilience, with Fowler's goal coming from an assist by Robert Thomas, who has been on a hot streak with 11 assists in his last five games. This victory ties the Blues with Minnesota for the first wild-card spot, although Minnesota holds the tiebreaker due to more wins in regulation and overtime. The Blues aim to keep their momentum as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Penguins next.

The Detroit Red Wings were on the verge of a crucial victory against the St. Louis Blues, leading 1-0 until the final moments of regulation. J.T. Compher scored the first goal of the game, giving the Wings hope for two vital points in their playoff push. However, disaster struck when Jordan Kyrou tied the game with just 28 seconds left, sending it into overtime. Cam Talbot, the Wings' goalie, played exceptionally well with 34 saves throughout the game but ultimately could not secure the win, as Cam Fowler of the Blues netted the game-winner in OT, leaving Detroit with just one point.