The Detroit Red Wings took a major step towards finally dispelling the reputation of March collapses. Well, the club’s big win on Thursday night actually came in April. But the win, nonetheless, was crucial in keeping the Wings in the playoff chase.
The Wings got a huge win in Philly, downing the Flyers 4-2. A loss would have sunk the Wings in the playoff standings. Instead, the win moved the Red Wings to within an inch of a playoff spot.
When the dust settled on the evening’s full slate of games, the Ottawa Senators dropped the Columbus Blue Jackets out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Red Wings moved up, sitting right behind Ottawa.
While the Senators, Red Wings, and Blue Jackets all have 88 points, the Sens currently possess the final playoff spot due to their fewer regulation losses.
That aside, the Wings won what could have been the biggest game of this season thus far. A loss would have all but dashed Detroit’s playoff hopes. That wasn’t the case, and disaster was averted.
The Red Wings are not out of the woods by any means. But fans have to be hopeful that the calendar has now turned to April, and the Wings are still very much in the hunt to end their playoff drought.
Gibson stepping up when Red Wings need it most
While Alex DeBrincat scored a pair in Thursday night’s win, it was John Gibson who stepped up when the Red Wings needed it the most.
Gibson made 32 saves to keep the Flyers at bay, winning his 28th game of the season. Despite losing three of his last five outings, Gibson has delivered the goaltending the Red Wings envisioned when he came over from the Anaheim Ducks last summer.
The 32-year-old has a 2.65 GAA and .905 SV% in 52 games this season. Those are numbers any playoff team could want from its starting goalie. Most importantly, Gibson has delivered consistent goaltending after some early-season jitters.
But the most important aspect of Gibson’s season has been staying healthy. The veteran netminder played just 29 games last season. As such, questions about his ability to stay healthy were rampant upon joining the Wings.
Those questions have been largely dispelled. The key will be for Gibson to stay healthy as the Wings fight for that final playoff spot in the last couple of weeks of the season.
Regardless of whether the Red Wings make the postseason or not, Gibson should get plenty of votes as the team MVP this season. One could (and should) make a case for Moritz Seider as well, whose stalwart defense has earned him Norris Trophy consideration.