The Detroit Red Wings haven’t made the NHL postseason since 2016, and they haven’t advanced beyond the first round since 2013. Betting odds suggest those streaks aren’t likely to end this season.
FanDuel lists Detroit at +2200 to make the postseason this year. The Red Wings, who are seven points out of a wild card spot, entered the season with minimal expectations. They’ve shown positive flashes, while also losing too frequently to be at the forefront of the playoff hunt.
Detroit’s playoff odds on DraftKings are more favorable than FanDuel’s, with the “yes, Detroit makes the playoffs” at +1200. The “no” option is -2500.
Rebuilding phase
General Manager Steve Yzerman is widely respected across the NHL, and there’s faith in Detroit that Yzerman will put the Red Wings in position to succeed in future years, even if they fall short of the playoffs in 2023. The Red Wings have bright young talent, including Dylan Larkin.
Larkin leads the Red Wings in goals and assists, and he’s deserving of a long-term contract to keep him in Detroit for years to come. Forward Jonatan Berggren, forward Joe Veleno, center Michael Rasmussen, defenseman Moritz Seider, and wing Lucas Raymond are also likely key pieces of the Red Wings’ future. The Red Wings have impressive up-and-coming talent, which bodes well for the franchise’s future prospects.
Additionally, Marco Kasper is playing well in the Swedish Hockey League. There are rumors the recent draft pick will join Detroit as soon as next season, and he’s a likely future contributor for the team. Goalie Ville Husso has performed admirably this season, and at 27 years old he could have a long-term future with the franchise.
Thursday battle with Vegas
While the odds don’t suggest a 2023 playoff appearance, part of being a fan is hoping your team defies expectations. Detroit isn’t out of the playoff hunt in 2023, and the Wings could make a late-season surge.
That could start Thursday against the Vegas Golden Knights, one of the best teams in the NHL. Vegas is favored at all mobile sportsbooks, including BetRivers, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, and PointsBet, although the Red Wings are favored to at least cover the puck line of +1.5 goals.
Detroit is a +150 moneyline underdog at multiple mobile sportsbooks, including DraftKings. The total for the game is listed at 6.5 goals.
The two teams have played each other once this season, with Vegas winning 4-1 in Detroit on Dec. 3.
Photo: Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY
