A few days ago, head coach Todd McLellan called out the Red Wings for their abysmal play in the second period. But one can’t just blame this team for falling apart in the middle of the game. That’s because their weakness isn’t limited to the second frame only.
Instead, the Wings true weakness is that they don’t know how to play 60 minutes with any consistency. For many of us, playing 60 solid minutes over a two-and-a-half-hour stretch might sound easy. I mean, how tough is it for 19 (and sometimes 20) players and 18 skaters to play good hockey for three periods of 20 minutes apiece? With world-class conditioning, might I add?
It’s one of those ‘easier said than done’ moments, and when you look at how complex hockey is, you’ll understand why. A fast-paced game coupled with physical play and split-second decision-making throughout, it might be the most physically and mentally demanding game out there. So, it takes more than physical conditioning. But good and great teams alike overcome those obstacles.
One Red Wings blueliner drives the team’s inconsistencies home
There’s a lot to like about Albert Johansson, specifically the way he’s grown this season into a solid defenseman capable of making every minute he’s on the ice count. Johansson’s eight points and two goals in 46 games won’t impress you, but his 76 blocks and 49 hits reveal a player who isn’t afraid of dishing out or absorbing contact.
He’s not the biggest player on the ice, but don’t let his listed 168 lb frame (per Hockey-Reference) fool you. But Johansson has also contributed well in a recent statement to what is the team’s biggest weakness.
In Jonathan Mills’ pregame piece at NHL.com on Tuesday, Johansson said of the last time the Red Wings played the Washington Capitals, “The first two periods were good and then we gave it away in the third period. I think we have to focus on our game, be aggressive, come out hard and skate. Do it for 60 minutes instead of 40.”
Recently, the Red Wings have had a nasty habit of thinking the NHL suddenly bumped its game time from 60 minutes to 40. Hey, when you’re battling for a playoff berth, the last thing you need to do as a hockey team is to take periods off. Doing so will almost guarantee a loss unless your opponent falls into the same trap.
A 60-minute game will lead to wins and a whole lot of upsets
There’s nothing pleasant about the Red Wings upcoming road trip, so a 60-minute game is more imperative here than at any other point in the season. A couple of slip-ups could revert the Wings to a team that will be closer to playing for respect instead of a playoff berth. And while that may’ve satisfied the fans three seasons ago, they’re long since past due to take that next step.
We saw what kind of havoc the Red Wings can wreak when they play a full 60 minutes. And while the Vegas Golden Knights were exhausted and demoralized, the Wings still took full advantage of the opportunity, and that’s why their shutout win over Vegas was a big one in so many ways.
If that (trend?) continues on this road trip, the Red Wings won’t just emerge with renewed hope; a wild card spot will be right there for the taking. But, they also need some help if they want to climb in the standings.