This is NHL Predictions, featuring one team looking for respect and another hoping to end the year as the division winner. The Detroit Red Wings have reached a new low in franchise history, going a full decade without a playoff berth. However, they’re still playing a game that matters since they can still spoil the Tampa Bay Lightning’s chances to win the Atlantic Division.
NHL Predictions with the Red Wings and Lightning
Season Series: TB 2-0-1, DET 1-2
Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. EDT
How to Watch: FDSNDET, The Spot
The Red Wings have now collapsed while in a position to end their playoff drought for the third year running. Fans are frustrated and there’s nothing the Wings can do to earn back trust back from those in Hockeytown this year. Still, they can build momentum for 2026-27. That will at least end the year on a high note, so don’t expect the Wings to take this one off.
All eyes are on the Lightning and if they can still pass the surprising Buffalo Sabres. They must also hold off the Montreal Canadiens. Tampa must keep winning and hope for the Sabres to slip up if they want to take the Atlantic. The Lightning are one loss and one Sabres win from losing out. Facing a struggling team like the Red Wings puts them in a good spot. But will the Lightning take advantage?
Team – GP – Pts – RW
- BUF – 80 – 106 – 41
- MON – 81 – 106 – 34
- TB – 80 – 104 – 40
Red Wings Players Still Have Milestones to Hit
Alex DeBrincat is one goal away from tying his career-high of 41 and Dylan Larkin is one away from reaching 35 goals for the first time. Lucas Raymond has never been a point-per-game player. With 76 in 78 contests, he can put himself one step closer to that with a multi-point game.
There’s also Patrick Kane, who’s one point from 1,400 in his career. Moritz Seider is two points from hitting 30 on the power play for the first time. He’s also going to be one game from playing in all 82 contests for the fifth straight season.
(Credit Image: © Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Wire)
Tampa Must Not Lose Focus Against the Red Wings
The Lightning have been excellent against the Red Wings all season, outscoring them 11-6 in three games. Detroit has regressed into one of the NHL’s most downtrodden teams, given their recent run. But this also has the makings for a potential trap game. That’s something the Lightning can’t afford if they’re interested in winning the Atlantic.
A loss and a Sabres win would set them up for a series against the Canadiens. A team that they have been up and down against. Tampa enjoyed wins that saw them putting up five and six goals, respectively, against Montreal. But in two of those games, they scored just once in each contest. Tampa’s best bet is to put themselves in the best position to play the Boston Bruins, a team they swept this season.
NHL Predictions
The Red Wings must avoid going into the offseason on a low note. That alone gives them something to play for. The Lightning need to put themselves in the best position to get past the first round. Something they haven’t done since 2022.
Lighting 5 – Red Wings 4
Prop Bets
Nikita Kucherov is just one goal from tying his career-high and has an outstanding chance to hit 45 in a single season. Dylan Larkin has four goals and nine points in his last four games. If anyone is still going to go 110% for the Wings, it’s Larkin.
Main photo by: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
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