The Detroit Red Wings didn’t win on Thursday, and the New York Islanders didn’t even play, but both teams are now officially headed for the 2015 playoffs.
The Red Wings clinched thanks to their point in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens plus the Boston Bruins’ regulation defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers. The Islanders merely needed a Bruins or Ottawa Senators loss of any kind, so maybe Detroit and the Isles owe the Panthers a tip of the cap.
Detroit maintains the longest-running playoff run in major sports:
The @DetroitRedWings' 24 consecutive playoff appearances is the longest active postseason streak among the 4 major pro sports leagues.
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 10, 2015
The Islanders missed the playoffs last season, yet they’re hoping to put a long run of success together themselves thanks to a young core headlined by John Tavares.
By virtue of the Bruins’ loss, the idle @NYIslanders also clinched their 23rd playoff berth in franchise history (2nd in past 3 seasons).
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 10, 2015
With these spots clinched, the Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins battle for the final two playoff berths in the East.
How far do you expect the Red Wings and Islanders to go, by the way?
Update: The Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets were the other two teams who clinched postseason spots on Thursday.