It’s been a remarkable reversal, but McLellan realizes that maintaining their spot will be just as difficult as it was getting there. The Red Wings play 16 of their final 29 on the road and have the most difficult remaining schedule based on opponents’ points percentage (.583), according to tankathon.com.

The Detroit Red Wings, after winning their sixth straight game, finished Sunday in the Eastern Conference's first wild-card playoff spot.

This was a game that the Canucks dominated from an analytics perspective. At even strength, they held a 30-15 scoring chances advantage while also winning the high-danger scoring chances battle 14-2. In the end, though, they weren't able to capitalize on their opportunities as they ended up falling once again in overtime.