The Detroit Red Wings have not made a playoff appearance for the past eight seasons, which leads fans to question whether or not their overall rank in the playoffs since 2009 has diminished or stayed the same.
The Red Wings have the second longest playoffs dry spell behind the Buffalo Sabers. The difference between the Red Wings and their Atlantic Division rival is that the Red Wings do have playoff wins under their belt. The Red Wings were considered some of the NHL's best teams 15 years ago which helped them obtain a higher ranking between 2009-2024.
Despite this, they have not won another playoff series since they beat the Anaheim Ducks back in 2013 during the Western Conference Quarterfinals. The Anaheim Ducks are another team who, like the Red wings, have been in a playoff drought since 2007 - which was the first and last Stanley Cup they have won. The Red Wings fell to the Chicago Blackhawks in the conference semifinals and then moved onto the Eastern Conference final, losing the first round three times in a row.
The Red Wings come in ranking at number 18 not as low as fans would have imagined. The Red Wings have six playoff sequence wins, alongside the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers and the Florida Panthers. Two of the teams mentioned are currently in the 2024 NHL conference finals, which means depending on who wins and who loses that it could in fact alter the Red Wings' Ranking to either 19 or 20. If the Red Wings rank in at number 19 they will be tied with the Anaheim Ducks and the Philadelphia Flyers.
While this could be disappointing to fans, the Red Wings have given fans evidence that signals things will be taking a turnaround in the upcoming season. While the Red Wings have not made any dramatic changes to the team's current roster, that could all change with the draft lottery coming up in June. With other teams rebuilding and hiring and firing coaches the Red Wings could have an advantage that would allow them to enter into their first playoff series in a long while. This all depends on how the Red Wings train during the offseason and what changes they make to improve their overall game on the ice next season. May the odds be ever in your favor Red Wings.
