The start to the Red Wings’ five-game road trip was anything but ideal, losing the first leg 1-0 on a late Nashville goal. The next three games weren't great either, dropping two in overtime and getting blown out in the other.
But it ended the way they’d hoped — a sea of Detroit fans chanting “let’s go Red Wings” as they saw out a 4-2 win over the Lightning, thanks to a pair of late goals.
David Perron put home a rebound with under 3:00 to play to put the Wings in front.
Lucas Raymond added an empty-netter to make it 4-2, giving the Wings a crucial two points as they gained ground on the Flyers, who lost in OT against the Islanders, who are hot on Detroit’s tail.
With seven games to go, Detroit is even on points (82) with the Capitals for the second wild card spot, but Washington has two games in hand.
Detroit is a point behind the Flyers — who inched into third place in the Metro with Monday’s OT loss — and has also played one less game than Philadelphia.
The Islanders are three points behind the Wings, also with a game in hand.
The Wings return to Detroit Friday night to open up a three-game homestand against the Rangers, who have already clinched a playoff spot.