from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,
The Wings (13-8-6) finished 2-1-1 on the four-game trip, earning five of a possible eight points. Good, for sure, especially after an ugly loss Thursday in Florida, and a good effort against Dallas in all facets.
But not getting that extra point Saturday stings.
"(Saturday) was a good response from the Florida effort, it's a good team over there," Larkin told Bally Sports Detroit. "We got it to OT, and we have to manage the puck and get that extra point. The points are there and we haven't capitalized on them (in overtime). We need to manage it."
Dallas (16-7-5) won for the 10th consecutive time over the Wings at American Airlines Center, and ninth of 11 meetings overall.
But rebounding from Thursday's loss, and earning the five points on the trip, made for a respectable week.
"Real good trip," said David Perron, who played in his 1,000th career game and scored a goal. "We didn't get the result (Saturday) but a good trip overall."
Below find the post game talk and game highlights.
from Max Bultman of The Athletic,
Detroits reality is still that it will be fighting uphill most nights against these top-flight teams. Thats why Derek Lalonde has pumped the breaks publicly on his teams start at seemingly every opportunity praising his players and their will, but pointing out Detroits underlying numbers have also had warning signs.
What was interesting, though, was hearing his first words after Saturdays game in an interview with Detroits Bally Sports broadcast. He began by talking about the big picture, and how at 2-1-1 Detroit won the road trip despite playing some top teams in their own buildings.
But then he threw something else in.
Youd hope, with this group, the way they competed today, theyll start wanting a little bit more, Lalonde said on the broadcast. And our first opportunitys going to be on Tuesday.
Whether thats a simple challenge from the coach, or a hint at rising expectations, it speaks to the importance of games like the one on Saturday. Playing the leagues top teams close is one thing, but if the Red Wings want to think about the playoffs, theyll have to beat them.
The gap between that, and where they are, looks narrower than at any point in the last five seasons. But they still have to bridge it.
much more ($)
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.