The Detroit Red Wings are making a strong push for the playoffs, but the perennial postseason participants still have a long way to go if they want to catch the Chicago Blackhawks, who’ll be hosting their longtime Central Division rival this afternoon at the United Center.

Although they’re certainly no guarantee to be making a 19th consecutive playoff trip, the reigning Western Conference champion Red Wings have enhanced their chances by winning three of their last four games. That surge has placed Detroit into the eighth and final postseason seed in the West at the moment, one point in front of Calgary.
TODAY’S GAME LIST:
Detroit Red Wings @ Chicago Blackhawks//Boston Bruins @ Pittsburgh Penguins//Calgary Flames @ Minnesota Wild//Carolina Hurricanes @ Atlanta Thrashers//Buffalo Sabres @ New York Rangers//Toronto Maple Leafs @ Philadelphia Flyers//New Jersey Devils @ Edmonton Oilers//Montreal Canadiens @ Anaheim Ducks