Are the Red Wings FINALLY a Playoff Team? | Justin Faulk Impact

The Detroit Red Wings made a bold move at the trade deadline — acquiring veteran defenseman Justin Faulk — and it may be the move that defines their playoff push.

On this episode of the Red Alert Podcast, Joe Chapp and Cindy Berry break down what the trade really means for Detroit's blue line, the price Steve Yzerman paid, and why this move signals the Red Wings are serious about ending their playoff drought.

We dive into:

• Why the Justin Faulk trade was necessary • How Faulk changes Detroit’s defensive structure • Todd McLellan’s impact on the Red Wings culture • The importance of depth without Dylan Larkin • Detroit’s upcoming gauntlet vs Florida, Tampa Bay, and Dallas • Playoff probability and how close Detroit really is

The Red Wings are playing meaningful hockey again — but the next stretch of games will reveal whether this team is truly built for the playoffs.

Is Detroit ready to take the next step?

Or is the playoff race about to get even tighter?