RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Detroit Red Wings are 5-1-1 in their past seven games, but they realize it's way too little, way too late to save their playoff hopes.
The Red Wings could be officially eliminated from postseason contention as early as Tuesday.
If the Red Wings lose in regulation at the Carolina Hurricanes, the Boston Bruins win in any fashion at home against the Nashville Predators and the Toronto Maple Leafs gain at least one point vs. the Florida Panthers, Detroit will be mathematically eliminated from the postseason race.
It would end the franchise's 25-season playoff streak and mark the first time since 1990 the Red Wings haven't been in the playoffs.