from Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press,

The best thing that can be said about the Detroit Red Wings at this point is that at least in another month, it will be over.

Their mastery since mid-February of reaching new nadirs has undermined the progress shown in the first half of the season and rendered the April 29 finale a beacon of merciful closure. Not only have the Wings not won consecutive games since Feb. 12, they've won only twice in regulation since then, and have spent most of the time explaining not just losses, but lopsided losses.

"You are what you do in life," coach Jeff Blashill said after Sunday's 11-2 loss to the Penguins, which marked the ninth time this season the Wings have surrendered seven-or-more goals.

The Wings are doing what they do in life in front of their boss, general manager Steve Yzerman, and in front of fans — the people who the organization would like to spend money to come see the product in person. It was one thing that the 11-goals against happened on the road, but earlier this month the Wings lost, 9-2 at home to the Arizona Coyotes, and in February there was the 10-7 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"We've got to get our heads straightened out a little bit," Blashill said. "For a long time through the season, we were in the mix of things. We were excited about that. Now we're not. I'm not sure if we feel sorry for ourselves, whatever. Nobody's going to feel sorry for us. We have to figure out a way to go out and play way better."

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