MONTREAL — The Detroit Red Wings kept it close, forcing big saves from Carey Price in the third period.
Their performance Tuesday at Bell Centre was a good response after the previous outing, especially given how depleted the lineup is. But playing against a Montreal Canadiens team that is jockeying to secure a wildcard spot, the Wings came up short, 3-1.
With Columbus gaining two points by beating Boston, the regulation loss officially eliminated the Wings from the playoffs for a third straight season.
Wings goalie Jonathan Bernier did what he could to delay the elimination, playing an especially strong opening 20 minutes.