from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

Coach Jeff Blashill said after Thursday’s game he was pleased with Coreau’s game against the Kings, saying Coreau kept the Red Wings in position to win with several key saves.

That will be one of the key assessments going forward for the Red Wings in relation to the goaltending position — can Coreau be an adequate NHL backup to Howard next season and give the team a chance to win when in the lineup?...

The Red Wings haven’t been totally mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but it’s getting there.

By virtue of Toronto winning Thursday and the Red Wings losing — the loss extended the Red Wings’ winless streak to eight games (0-7-1) — the Red Wings can’t catch the Maple Leafs and will not be able to claim one of the three automatic playoff spots in the Atlantic Division.

The only way the Red Wings could make the playoffs is by earning a wild card spot but, obviously, those chances are becoming increasingly slim.

The Red Wings entered Friday’s games trailing New Jersey by 17 points with only 12 games left. Any combination of eight points earned by New Jersey or lost by the Red Wings, will eliminate the Red Wings from the playoffs for a second consecutive season.

To their credit, the Red Wings continue to play with passion and commitment....

more on each of the above topics...

Below is Detroit's projected lineup for tonight...