The NHL’s Eastern Conference Wild Card race is about as clear as mud.
Entering Sunday, four teams — Detroit, Washington, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh — were separated by one point, all vying for one final playoff spot. The Islanders are just two points ahead, holding onto third place in the Metro.
The Red Wings played with a sense of urgency and wasted no time Sunday afternoon in a 3-1 win over the Sabres.
A Lucas Raymond goal put Detroit on the board within the first minute and Patrick Kane slipped through a pair of defenders to tuck home his 19th of the season a few minutes later.
Dylan Larkin’s 31st of the year, on a power play, made it 3-0 within 10 minutes, sending LCA into a frenzy.
While Buffalo would get one back late in the first through Tage Thompson, that would be the end of the scoring, giving Detroit a crucial two points.
With five games left, the Wings are, at least for now, in possession of the second wild card spot. Washington — two points back with a game in hand — plays Sunday night before the two meet in Detroit on Tuesday.
The Wings turn around and play the Penguins Thursday, before finishing up with the Maple Leafs and two against the Canadiens. Catch the action live on 97.1 The Ticket.