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Red Wings Climbing Futility Lists
TL;DR
The Detroit Red Wings have been eliminated from the NHL playoffs for the 10th consecutive season after a 5-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils. They were previously tied for first in the Atlantic Division and had an 89.5% chance of making the playoffs.
The post Red Wings Climbing Futility Lists appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.
Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesRick Osentoski-Imagn Images
On January 25, the Detroit Red Wings were first in the Atlantic Division. They were in a tie for first overall in the NHLâs Eastern Conference. Their chances of making the Stanley Cup playoffs were sitting at 89.5%.
On Saturday, the Red Wings were officially eliminated from the NHL playoffs for a 10th successive season. This came following a 5-3 home-ice loss to the New Jersey Devils. The fact that they didnât make it put the Red Wings in some unique company.
The Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens share plenty of NHL history over the time that these two storied franchises have operated in the league. This isnât one that theyâll be bragging about.
In NHL history, only two teams have ever sat with at least 69 points in the standings through 53 games and not made the playoffs. The 2025-26 Red Wings have joined the 1969-70 Canadiens in this exclusive club.
The Buffalo Sabres made the playoffs this spring. That ended that clubâs 14-year playoff drought. The Red Wings now hold the longest active NHL postseason absence streak.
Buffaloâs run is the NHL record for the longest playoff absence. Detroit has moved into a tie for second on the all-time list. They sit alongside the Edmonton Oilers (2007-16) and the Florida Panthers. (2001-11).
The three NHL teams that are celebrating their centennial membership in the league â Detroit, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the New York Rangers â all missed the playoffs this season.
Red Wings Are a Long Way From Worst Pro Franchise
As pitiful as the Red Wings might seem to the clubâs fanbase, when it comes to playoff futility among the four major North American sports leagues, theyâre barely a bronze medal winner.
The NFLâs New York Jets are the standard bearers among futile franchises. Itâs been 15 years since the Jets made the NFL postseason.
Next on the list are the MLBâs Los Angeles Angels. They havenât been playoff participants for 11 years.
In the NBA, itâs been nine seasons since the Charlotte Hornets qualified for postseason play. Currently ninth in the Eastern Conference, the Hornets could end their drought this season.
The Wings will need to keep stumbling for a long time to shatter the all-time North American record for playoff futility. The St. Louis Browns went 41 years (1903-44) without participating in the MLB postseason.
The post Red Wings Climbing Futility Lists appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.
Q&A
How many consecutive seasons have the Detroit Red Wings missed the NHL playoffs?
The Detroit Red Wings have missed the NHL playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons.
What was the Detroit Red Wings' playoff probability before their elimination?
Before their elimination, the Detroit Red Wings had an 89.5% chance of making the playoffs.
What was the score of the game that eliminated the Red Wings from playoff contention?
The Red Wings were eliminated from playoff contention following a 5-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils.
