Detroit – With Gordie Howe expected to pay a visit to Joe Louis Arena Monday night in the company of his family, the Red Wings are calling upon all of their resources with desperation knocking at the door.
Some of their veterans of battles for playoff berths in recent seasons said the players in the lineup must provide their best performances in the final seven games, beginning Monday against the Sabres (7:30 p.m., FSD) if the Wings are going to make the playoffs.
“The chips have been down for a while,” said Jimmy Howard, whose improved play and Petr Mrazek’s decline earned him the start against the Sabres.