RALEIGH, N.C. - One of the most glorious eras of Detroit Red Wings hockey was on the verge of ending Tuesday night.
It has been apparent for several weeks the Red Wings' 25-year playoff streak would end this season. It appears to be imminent.
The Red Wings lost 4-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes before a paltry crowd of 9,427 at PNC Arena.
That was the first domino that needed to fall. The second was a Boston victory, and the Bruins were leading Nashville. The third was Toronto gaining one point, and the Maple Leafs were leading Florida.