8 observations from Detroit’s 7-5 loss to the Edmonton Oilers

Down 4-1 to the Edmonton Oilers after the first, the Detroit Red Wings nearly managed one of the more impressive comebacks of the year, scoring three straight to tie things up.

However, the Oilers eventually retook the lead, later tacking on an empty netter to make it 7-5. Let’s take eight observations from the loss.

#1: Goaltending still suspect. Thomas Greiss started in net for the Red Wings. That lasted less than five minutes. Detroit’s backup goaltender gave up three goals on just six shots on goal. Alex Nedeljkovic was better than Greiss, but still not good. The goaltender situation has gone from a nuisance to genuine concern. It is going to be hard for the Red Wings to stop their losing streak if the goaltenders can’t step up.

#2: The team finally showed some grit. Well, Detroit may have been kicked around in the first period, but they finally showed some spirit in the final 40 minutes. The Wings have been pushed around for the last few weeks, and they finally pushed back a bit.

#3: Another great night from Moritz Seider. Unsurprisingly, the Red Wings star rookie defenseman had another great night. Although he nabbed just one assist, Seider’s play was noticeable all over the ice (especially his defensive play against some of the Oilers’ stars).

#4: A shockingly good night from Marc Staal. However, Seider’s play was somewhat overshadowed by a really good night from Staal. He scored two goals, looking lethal through most of the game (although he did essentially knock in an own-goal later). Staal appears to be playing with a bit of swagger now, and that’s what the defense needs.

#5: The defense was porous. Speaking of defense, it was bad again. Missed assignments, getting beat along the boards, you name it. Detroit’s defense has been terrible all year, but it’s been egregiously bad in the last month. Tonight was just more of the same.

#6: Hirose snagged two assists. In just his second game with the Red Wings this season, Taro Hirose nabbed two assists. It probably won’t amount to much, but it’s nice to see a prospect that’s struggled to rise finally and get some points.

#7: Six straight losses. The losing streak continues. The Red Wings have now dropped six games in a row. Although the almost-comeback gave a bit of hope, things still look bleak. The aforementioned issues of goaltending and defense don’t look like they’ll be solved anytime soon. And the schedule is still tough ahead.

#8: Two more games in the road trip. West coast road trips don’t usually go well for the Red Wings, and two games in, it seems as though this trip is no different. Luckily, there are just two more games on the west coast – Thursday against Vancouver and Saturday against Seattle.