from Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now,
Everyone had a hand in the wrongdoing.
The Red Wings were on a six-game points streak (5-0-1) on Jan. 14 when they beat the Maple Leafs in Toronto 5-3 to move into the first Eastern Conference wild card. The Red Wings were on a five-game losing streak last night when the New York Islanders downed the Anaheim Ducks to move past them for the final wild card spot.
Everyone’s fingerprints are on the losing streak. The Red Wings go into Tuesday’s game in Buffalo looking to avoid an 0-4 road trip.
“Can’t get frustrated, just got to keep getting hungrier,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said after Saturday’s 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Total System Failure
The team has been outscored 25-8 in the five losses. The Red Wings were shut out twice in the five losses, including once by the Arizona Coyotes who rank 27th out of 32 teams in the NHL overall standings. They have scored five or more goals in 19 games this season, and yet have only managed to net more than three goals once in the past seven games.
Lucas Raymond had raised his game to another level over the past several weeks, but has no points during the losing streak and is minus-8 in those five games.
Patrick Kane has played brilliantly this season, but has gone four games without a point. He’s minus-4 in those games. Alex DeBrincat is minus-6 in the losing streak. Captain Dylan Larkin’s injury has undermined the team’s offensive production.
from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,
Rather than one more long flight back, right then and there, it made sense to coach Derek Lalonde to stay put in Vegas for another 24-36 hours. Considering it was a high of 72 degrees Monday in Vegas, the decision didn't involve a ton of arm-twisting.
"It's tough, it's probably more draining to go back and get your practice and fly (to Buffalo)," Lalonde said. "We talked about this trip over and over. It's just one of those little quirky (things). We're so far out West, we thought it's probably best to get guys some rest here and practice here and fly into Buffalo."
More:Red Wings feeling sting of lengthy losing streak, late-game defeat
No matter when or how they get there, the Wings need to begin accumulating points again in the standings. They were pleased with the effort against Vegas, twice rallying in the third period to tie the game, just to lose on late Golden Knights' goals.
Needing to restore confidence and build off anything resembling a positive, the face they've strung together five consecutive periods of acceptable or better hockey is fueling the Wings into Buffalo.
"We're in the time of year you have to find a way to get points," forward David Perron said.
Missing Larkin
The Wings have been without Dylan Larkin the last three games, all losses. They're likely to not have him this week either, if the two-week injury projection proves to be accurate.
Someone has to step into the void, at least offensively, but that hasn't been the case, especially for three big offensive players expected to produce.
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Stay in Vegas so the team in a losing streak can party it up, right. I'm sure that'll help.
I miss the days of bag skates. Don't get this play like crap, get a day off in vegas
Some of those days off are mandated by the CBA but I sure as hell wouldn't set it up to be in Vegas on a losing streak.
and.... they backed into the # 2 Wild Card spot thanks to the Kings.
Enjoy the day off and get busy!!
LGRW !!!!!
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