DETROIT — Riley Sheahan was not born the last time the Detroit Red Wings failed to make the playoffs in 1990.

In fact, the 24-year-old forward is one of nine players on the Red Wings’ roster that wasn’t alive back then.

Sheahan, and his teammates, young and old, desperately hope to fare well enough in the final five games of the regular season to avoid the dubious distinction of being a part of a streak-busting team.

“We’ve talked a few times about not wanting to be on that roster that doesn’t make the playoffs,” Sheahan said.

Detroit took a step back in its quest to extend the franchise’s postseason streak to 25 on Tuesday night, losing a third-period lead in a 4-3 setback at Montreal.

The Red Wings are a point behind the Boston Bruins for the third and final guaranteed spot from the Atlantic Division. Detroit is tied with Philadelphia for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference, but the Flyers have two more games to earn up to four more points.