DETROIT — Making the playoffs for the Red Wings has just become a little more difficult.

Maybe a lot. We'll see in the next several days, but Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Washington certainly isn't going to help matters.

Washington goaltender Charlie Lindgren made 43 saves spurring the victory, as the Wings outshot the Capitals, 44-23, but were continually frustrated by Lindgren.

Patrick Kane scored with 1.1 seconds left to prevent the Wings' shutout.

Dylan Strome (27th goal, 17 minutes 47 seconds) and Alex Ovechkin (30th, 19:52) scored late in the second period, breaking open the game.

With the victory, Washington moved into the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 85 points. The Capitals moved past the Wings and idle Pittsburgh, who both have 84 points.

This was billed as the biggest game at Little Caesars Arena since the Wings moved into the new rink in 2017. The Wings have missed the playoffs the last seven seasons. Wings players talked after the morning skate about the excitement building the past few weeks.

"It's where we've wanted to get to, to get a chance to play these meaningful games, and the ultimate goal is get into the playoffs," forward Robby Fabbri said. "We all know what is at stake. Everyone is having fun in these moments and games and it's nice to be in this one."

Even with the loss, the Wings are still in the hunt.

"It's kind of in our hands playing against teams that we are right there with us," said Alex DeBrincat after the morning skate. "We have to have the mentality of one game at a time and not worrying about the big picture right now."

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