At the start of the 2024-25 NHL season, some predicted that the Detroit Red Wings-- with one of the proudest histories among the league's 32 clubs -- would make their triumphant return to the postseason field.

At this point of the season, the Red Wings can ill-afford to drop points, even though they have the toughest schedule in the NHL. They had a good chance to steal a win from the red-hot St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night, but ended up falling in overtime, giving Detroit losses in five of its past seven games.

In two weeks, the Detroit Red Wings will either be preparing for the playoffs for the first time in nine years – or for a long offseason. That's how little time they have left.