The Red Wings are currently living in two different worlds, depending on who you ask.



Technically speaking, they’re three points out of a playoff spot, an overachiever by most accounts but still a pleasant surprise after a dire preseason forecast. Or maybe they’re just a mirage; a 20th-place team treading water but bound to eventually find their level.



While these Red Wings do look competitive in most of their games (although Tuesday’s 6-2 loss against Washington lingers), it would be hard to deny they’ve also punched a bit above their weight at times this year. Dylan Larkin is nearing point-per-game levels while playing big minutes against opponents’ top lines. Jimmy Howard’s numbers are among the best at his position. The team as whole has been scoring much more since its disastrous 0-5-2 start.



So, in an idea borrowed from Toronto colleague James Mirtle, what’s a mirage and what’s here to stay? With just...