You could make the case that not so long ago, the Detroit Red Wings were in control of their own destiny. Eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs on March 22 via a 1-0 loss to the Washington Capitals, the Red Wings’ final eight games of the regular season included a lengthy slate of contests against some of their fellow NHL bottom feeders - a home-and-home set with the Montreal Canadiens, a game at Buffalo against the Sabres and home dates with the Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders. With just one win in 14 games as they took the ice March 27 against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, the best course of action for the future of this franchise was to continue along their present course of failure. Instead, the Wings opted to launch a winning streak. Saturday’s 2-0 verdict over the Senators was Detroit’s third straight triumph, the longest-winning streak assembled by the club since the Wings posted four victories in a row from Dec. 29-Jan. 5. The Wings will still be part of the NHL draft lottery, but with every W they post, their chances of winning on draft day diminishes significantly. Detroit coach Jeff Blashill comprehends your frustration. “I understand the importance of a draft pick, I get that 100 percent,… Blashill said. “I’ve said in this room a number of times, we need three superstars in their prime. I get that 100 percent and I’m hoping we get one in the draft one way or another.… But one way they won’t get it is by laying down. The tank is not welcome in the Detroit dressing room. “Winning and losing - as a coach and players, we’re here to win,… Blashill said. “That’s just the reality of it. I don’t know how else you can be a competitor. “When that clock starts, you’re not worth your salt if you’re not trying to win that game, whether you’re a player or a coach. I think one of the big things in our organization, I’ve talked lots about, is the importance of culture. We’re not far off. We’re closer than other people would ever give us credit for because of the culture, and I’m not losing the culture.… The players also hear what the fans are saying, but it’s the coach and their leaders within that dressing room who they ultimately answer to and respect the most. “I don’t think anyone wants to give up, just quit,… Wings forward Gustav Nyquist said. “I think these games show a lot of character, if you dig in and work hard and try to finish out the season as best as possible.…
It was that combination of pride, professionalism and character that kept the Wings making the playoffs toward the end of the 25-year year of postseason appearances when they probably shouldn't have made it, and it's what keeping them winning right now when losing would be the best thing that they could do. Follow me on Twitter @asktheduffer