Red Wings Recall Austin Watson for Road Trip With the Detroit Red Wings beginning a pivotal three-game road swing Tuesday night in Montreal, they have recalled forward Austin Watson from Grand Rapids to join them for the trip. If they lose, they can virtually kiss their chances of making the playoffs goodbye.

The Canadiens win their sixth straight against the Red Wings at the Bell Centre. Photos by John Mahoney of the Montreal Gazette.

For weeks now, looking ahead to this weekend on the Detroit Red Wings’ schedule was a cautionary exercise. The Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers — two of the league’s best (and toughest) teams — represented all the reasons the Red Wings couldn’t afford to squander other games.