However, the team who wins on Tuesday, especially in regulation where the losing team does not earn a point, will have an advantage in the competition.
Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde expressed a desire for close games to occur at later points in the season. He noted that successful teams often find themselves in good positions, like the Washington team which has been winning. The Red Wings have also been putting in effort, winning two out of their last three games, in order to stay competitive. Tonight’s game is especially important, presenting a significant opportunity for them to make strides in the battle.
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T.J. Oshie, a player for the Capitals, believes that the upcoming game will have a similar intensity to a playoff game. Both teams will likely have a sense of urgency and it will be an exciting match. While the Capitals have played important games this season, this one holds even more significance as they are both vying for a spot in the playoffs.
“In three weeks, this game could be the one that you will remember as the deciding factor, no matter which side comes out on top.”
Detroit is confident that they are moving in a positive direction after winning 3 out of 5 games since their losing streak ended. They showed resilience in their last game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, coming back from a two-goal deficit to win 4-3 in overtime. In their following game, the Red Wings triumphed over the New York Islanders 6-3, with Dylan Larkin scoring two goals in his first game back from a lower-body injury. Despite a tough fight, they ultimately lost 1-0 to the Nashville Predators on Saturday.
The Red Wings seemed to have a strong chance of making it to the playoffs after defeating the Capitals 8-3 in Detroit on February 27, which marked their sixth consecutive win. However, their luck has turned since then with a record of 3-9-0, including a losing streak of seven games from February 29 to March 14.
The team from Washington, with a record of 35 wins, 26 losses, and 9 ties, is currently ahead of the team from Detroit, with a record of 36 wins, 29 losses, and 6 ties, by one point in the race for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Washington also has the advantage of having played one fewer game. The winner of their upcoming game will have a better chance of securing a spot in the playoffs.
On Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; MNMT, BSDET), the Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings will have a preview of the intensity and level of competition that comes with the Stanley Cup Playoffs as they go head-to-head at Capital One Arena.
The Detroit Red Wings are anticipating playing these high-stakes games, which they have not been able to participate in for the last seven years due to not making it to the playoffs. Both teams have 10 or 11 games left, with the Capitals scheduled to play at Little Caesars Arena on April 9. Despite the outcome of Tuesday’s game, there is still work to be done for both teams.
