DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings have made significant strides the past few weeks but remain closer to the Eastern Conference basement than the final wild card spot.
The playoffs still appear to be a longshot, but just including them in the conversation following their 1-7-2 start would have been outrageous.
Three-quarters of the season remains, but the standings on Thanksgiving often have been a reliable gauge in determining which teams will reach the postseason.
The Red Wings, 8-2 in their past 10 games, are five points out of the final playoff spot heading into Wednesday's game against the Boston Bruins at Little Caesars Arena (7:30 p.