Red Wings defenseman’s gaffe proves costly against Devils

The Detroit Red Wings lost a tough 4-3 decision against the New Jersey Devils on Monday night at the Prudential Center. Detroit showed plenty of grit in the game, especially with the way it ended in mayhem.

But it was a costly gaffe that cost the Red Wings two points in the standings. The play happened midway through the second period. With the game 3-2 in favor of the Devils, Travis Hamonic had a minor brain freeze that led to Connor Brown’s sixth of the season.

Here’s a look at the goal, as shown on the Devils’ official X account:

The replay showed Hamonic playing the puck behind the net. However, Hamonic took his eye off the puck for a second, long enough for Dawson Mercer to poke it around the net. There, Brown came around and tucked the puck past Cam Talbot.

Talbot’s reaction showed just how unexpected the entire play was. The goal made the game 4-2. The tally would prove to be the game-winner, as Dylan Larkin made the game 4-3 late in the third. Unfortunately, the Red Wings ran out of time and lost the game in regulation.

Detroit Red Wings continue to slide

The loss derailed the momentum the Red Wings gained from their 4-3 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night. The win was a solid bounce-back game after getting pummeled 5-0 at the hands of the New York Islanders.

However, the Wings were unable to build on that momentum. The loss against the Devils dropped the Wings to 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. While the Red Wings are still in the thick of the Atlantic Division playoff race, the trend has to be somewhat concerning.

It’s not that the Red Wings are playing poorly. It’s just that they’re not playing well enough to win consistently. Part of that has to do with defense, as was the case on Monday night. But a part of that is also due to a lack of consistent goal scoring.

The main issue isn’t the Red Wings proving they have the talent to hang with the NHL heavyweights. It’s about proving they have the consistency to remain atop the standings for an entire season and playoffs.

There’s still a long way to go this season. So, it will be a question of the Red Wings proving they have staying power in the Eastern Conference.