from Adam Kimelman of NHL.com,

For the eight Eastern Conference teams that missed the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, their goal since the second week of April has been determining how to extend their season into May, or even June, like the Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.

NHL.com examines how those eight teams can take the next step and qualify for the playoffs this season:

DETROIT RED WINGS
Last season: 30-39-13, 73 points, 24 points out of second wild card

How it ended: The Red Wings began the season 10-8-2, which had them third in the Atlantic Division, but a 4-3 overtime loss against the Colorado Avalanche on Nov. 19 started a 3-7-5 stretch that saw them fall to sixth in the division, 10 points out of third place at the Christmas break and eventually miss the playoffs for the second straight season.

Why they could get in: A rich crop of prospects, led by Zadina and center Michael Rasmussen (6-foot-6, 221 pounds), has the Red Wings feeling good about the future. But their present looks good as well, even if Zetterberg isn't available. Forward Dylan Larkin is an elite playmaker, and forward Anthony Mantha scored a Red Wings-high 24 goals last season at age 23. Forward Gustav Nyquist is a three-time 20-goal scorer, and Andreas Athanasiou, who could slide to center in Zetterberg's absence, is among the fastest skaters in the NHL. Jimmy Howard was solid in net, and the addition of Jonathan Bernier further strengthens the position. The Red Wings play a smart style, can score, and could push for one of the wild card spots in the conference.

more on the Wings plus seven other teams...