Detroit — If the Red Wings are going to make the playoffs a realistic possibility, they have to defeat teams lower than them in the standings.
They haven't always done that this season, but did Tuesday, defeating lowly San Jose 3-2 in overtime.
Andrew Copp scored his fifth goal batting in a loose puck at 25 seconds into overtime, giving the Wings (20-18-8) the victory.
Goaltender Ville Husso stopped 26 shots to earn the victory.
Adam Erne and Michael Rasmussen scored second-period goals for the Wings, while Timo Meier and Logan Couture answered for the Sharks.