The Detroit Red Wings found themselves out of playoff contention once more on Tuesday night, and it was a tough pill to swallow.
In a thrilling showdown against the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit managed to secure a 5-4 victory in a shootout, rallying back after David Perron’s last-second goal tied the game in regulation.
However, despite their efforts, it was all in vain.
Detroit was neck and neck with Washington for the East’s second wild-card spot, both teams boasting 89 points. But Washington held the advantage with more regulation wins.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers, sitting at 87 points, needed a regulation win and a Detroit loss to stay in the playoff race.
As the Red Wings celebrated Perron’s clutch goal, the Flyers, unaware of Detroit’s fate, pulled their goalie in a tied game against Washington, hoping for a regulation win.
Yet, Washington’s T.J. Oshie swiftly capitalized on the empty net, securing a 2-1 lead for the Capitals and sealing their playoff spot.
