Red Wings Set Franchise Record With Ninth Playoff Miss

The Detroit Red Wings missed the playoffs for a ninth consecutive season, setting a franchise record for futility and failing to improve under GM Steve Yzerman for the first time. Captain Dylan Larkin, who played all 82 games and notched his fourth consecutive 30-goal season, voiced disappointment over the team's lack of significant trade deadline moves, which he believes hurt morale and momentum. The team struggled after the 4 Nations Faceoff, finishing 9-13-2 down the stretch and ultimately losing in overtime to the Toronto Maple Leafs in their final game. The playoff drought has persisted since Larkin's rookie year in 2015-16, intensifying frustration among players and fans. Larkin emphasized the emotional toll of the extended drought and the urgent need for organizational changes. Both players and management recognize significant work ahead to turn the Red Wings into contenders.