American Thanksgiving.
That’s the deadline for NHL teams to get into the playoffs. Thanksgiving is in the rearview mirror now that the NHL season is in December.
And things look abysmal for the Detroit Red Wings.
Until the 2023-24 season, approximately 76 percent of teams in a playoff spot at Thanksgiving remain in that position once the post-season arrives. On December 8th, the Red Wings are the second-last team in the Eastern Conference Standings.
They have a 10-13-4 record in 27 games, which is good for 24 points. Only the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, Nashville Predators, and Chicago Blackhawks have fewer points.
Like I said, things aren’t looking great for the Red Wings.
The last team to crawl out of a hole this big and make the playoffs was the 2023-24 Edmonton Oilers. Make no mistake, these Red Wings are not the Oilers of last year.
Of course, these numbers aren’t definitive. There is still a chance that the Red Wings could crawl back into a playoff spot, but it’s unlikely if this losing streak continues.
Head coach Derek Lalonde is undoubtedly in the hot seat. With a few coaching changes already completed this season, there is no peer-pressure-related reason for the Red Wings to keep Lalonde employed if they feel that a change is necessary.
American Thanksgiving has left the Red Wings with little to be thankful for.
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