Red Wings eliminated from playoff contention for 10th straight year

The Detroit Red Wings have been eliminated from playoff contention for the 10th straight year with their 5-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils. They also have not won a playoff series in 13 years. They have the longest playoff drought in the NHL.

It has been a decade to forget for the Red Wings. The franchise made the playoffs for 26 years in a row from 1990-91 until 2015-16, winning four Stanley Cups during that span. It was one of the longest streaks in North American history.

What’s even more upsetting is how the Red Wings were first in the division back in January. Yet, during March, they finished with a 5-7-2 record and have lost eight of their last 11. It’s been a familiar theme for the Red Wings to collapse in March. In 2025, they finished with a 4-10 record, and in 2024 finished with a 3-9-2 record.

There are also questions about GM Steve Yzerman and his job security. Yzerman adapted the “Yzerman Plan,” which was to rebuild the team and slowly get them ready for playoff contention. However, they have yet to make the playoffs under Yzerman and are now looking at another long offseason.

With the Red Wings being eliminated from the playoffs, it means the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators have clinched their ticket to the postseason. The Bruins last made the playoffs in the 2023-24 season, and the Senators have now made it in back-to-back seasons.

About the Author Published Apr 11, 2026

CAMERON JOYCE

Cameron Joyce is an NCAAF, NFL, NHL, and MLB beat writer for Ball Exclusives. Cameron also previously worked at The University of Alabama's newspaper, "The Crimson White," covering volleyball and baseball.