​Last season, the story in the Atlantic centered on which of the strongest teams would win the division. With five teams in this division making the playoffs, the Atlantic playoff push was one of the most exciting in the league.The Atlantic Division was the most competitive all season long. This year will be no different. Making the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, and in this division in particular, is difficult.  The teams playing playoff hockey this spring will have to get off to a strong start and keep battling all season long. No one wins easy points in the Atlantic Division standings.This year’s playoff picture will feature different teams from last year, and some familiar faces in different playoff spots. The teams below will either miss the playoffs or barely sneak into the Wild Card spots in the East.8. Detroit Red WingsView this post on InstagramLast season, the Red Wings looked like they were going to snap their nine-year playoff drought. Between American Thanksgiving and mid-March, the Wings consistently sat in the top three of the Atlantic Division. In March 2026, the Wings lost nine of fourteen games, forfeiting their playoff spot. Between February 26 and March 24, the Red Wings fell four spots in the standings, ultimately extending Detroit’s playoff drought to 10 yearsDetroit has drawn a lot of attention this offseason. The most damaging thing to happen to the Red Wings is undoubtedly their former captain, Dylan Larkin, demanding a trade. Larkin played an important role on this team, scoring 34 goals and putting up 67 points last season. He has a full no-move clause and is signed until 2031. This puts Detroit in a tough spot.In addition, the Red Wings have made limited offseason improvements. This is due in part to a two-month-long period in which the Wings had no general manager. On September 15th, the Red Wings named interim general managerShawn Horcoff, manager of Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.The Red Wings signed Viktor Arvidsson, who had 25 goals with the Bruins last season. The Wings still need to sign 25-point defenseman Simon Edvinsson. Detroit’s bright spot is defenseman Moritz Seider. Seider played all 82 games and had a 60-point season. He is a true number one defenseman, leading the league in time on ice last season. Detroit fans should look forward to watching Seider in the coming season, even if they finish at the bottom of this division.The Red Wings begin the 2026-2027 season with no captain, no permanent general manager, and a ten-year playoff drought. The best outcome for the Red Wings is to finish in the bottom five in the league and to walk away with a high draft pick.7. Ottawa SenatorsView this post on InstagramLast season, the Ottawa Senators landed in the last Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference for their second playoff appearance in a row. The Senators underperformed in the playoffs. They were swept in the first round by the Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricane