NHLGame Previews

Devils vs. Red Wings: Playoff Implications and Projected Lineups

2 months agoUS
Devils vs. Red Wings: Playoff Implications and Projected LineupsSource: nhl.com
The New Jersey Devils face off against the Detroit Red Wings in a crucial late-season matchup. For the Red Wings, this game carries significant playoff implications as they fight to secure a spot in the postseason. This article provides a game preview, including projected lineups and the stakes for Detroit.

Key Insights

The Detroit Red Wings must earn at least one point in this game to avoid official elimination from playoff contention.

As of April 11, 2026, the Red Wings have 91 points with three games remaining, needing to win all three for a chance to catch the Ottawa Senators or Boston Bruins, who each have 96 points.

The projected lineups for both teams offer insights into player availability and potential strategies.

Devils' goalie Jacob Markstrom is shut down for the season to rest nagging injuries.

Why this matters: The Red Wings' playoff hopes hang in the balance, making this a must-win game for the team and a critical moment for their fans. The Devils, while not in the playoff hunt, can play spoiler and impact the Eastern Conference standings.

In-Depth Analysis

Red Wings' Playoff Scenario

The Detroit Red Wings' path to the playoffs is narrow. They need to secure all possible points in their remaining games and hope for losses by the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins. If Detroit ties Ottawa in the standings, Ottawa advances due to more regulation wins. However, if Detroit ties Boston, the Red Wings would qualify with more regulation wins.

Ottawa's remaining games are Sunday at New Jersey and Wednesday at home against Toronto. Boston plays Sunday at Columbus and Tuesday at home against New Jersey.

Projected Lineups

Devils:

Timo Meier -- Nico Hischier -- Dawson Mercer

Jesper Bratt -- Jack Hughes -- Connor Brown

Lenni Hameenaho -- Cody Glass -- Nick Bjugstad

Paul Cotter -- Marc McLaughlin -- Brian Halonen

Jonas Siegenthaler -- Dougie Hamilton

Dennis Cholowski -- Johnathan Kovacevic

Brenden Dillon -- Simon Nemec

Nico Daws

Jake Allen

Red Wings:

Emmitt Finnie -- Dylan Larkin -- Lucas Raymond

Alex DeBrincat -- Andrew Copp -- Patrick Kane

David Perron -- J.T. Compher -- Carter Mazur

James van Riemsdyk -- Marco Kasper -- Dominik Shine

Simon Edvinsson -- Moritz Seider

Ben Chiarot -- Justin Faulk

Albert Johansson -- Jacob Bernard-Docker

John Gibson

Cam Talbot

FAQs

What happens if the Red Wings and Senators tie in points?

The Ottawa Senators would get into the playoffs with more regulation wins.

What happens if the Red Wings and Bruins tie in points?

The Red Wings would qualify for the playoffs with more regulation wins.

Where can I watch the game?

The game will be broadcast on FDSN and 97.1.

Key Takeaways

The Red Wings face a win-or-be-eliminated scenario, increasing the stakes for this game.

Monitor the outcomes of the Senators' and Bruins' games, as they directly impact Detroit's playoff chances.

Key players to watch include Jack Hughes for the Devils and Dylan Larkin for the Red Wings.

The health and performance of starting goalies, particularly John Gibson for the Red Wings, will be critical.

Discussion

Do you think the Red Wings will make the playoffs? Share your predictions in the comments below!

Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

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