DETROIT – Throughout the years Joe Louis Arena has played host to many colossal hockey games, though most have been reserved for epic battles in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Wednesday night’s pivotal contest against Philadelphia will arguably be the Red Wings’ biggest regular-season home game since 1990 when they last missed the postseason.
This year’s playoff scenario is simple, at least in theory: beat Philadelphia and Boston – on back-to-back nights – and the Red Wings punch their ticket to a remarkable 25th consecutive playoff appearance.
Regulation losses in one or both games won’t necessarily disqualify the Wings, but they’ll need outside help to get in.