The Detroit Red Wings have now lost three straight after a solid start to the season. Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Blackhawks stung far more than the lopsided score suggested.
The Wings were coming off a 4-1 pounding at the hands of an off-and-on New York Rangers squad that suddenly found its legs. Then, that same Rangers side fell off a cliff, losing 5-0 to the New York Islanders the next day.
The Red Wings, meanwhile, had a day off in between games. They faced a Chicago Blackhawks coming off a 4-0 blanking of the Calgary Flames.
That same Blackhawks club kept rolling against the Red Wings
But it wasn’t just the 5-1 loss that stung. It was the fact that the Red Wings were 0-3 on the penalty kill. Yes, the Blackhawks went a perfect 3-for-3 on their power play. The game could have been much closer, but the total inability to stop the Blackhawks on the power play ultimately sank the Wings.
Now, it seems the Red Wings’ penalty kill has become an area of concern. The club was seventh in the league with an 85.7 penalty kill rating heading into the game. However, Sunday’s game has cast doubt on the Wings’ defensive game.
The first Blackhawks power play, an absolute rocket by Connor Bedard, was one that very few goalies could have stopped. But the other two weren’t so cut and dry.
Teuvo Teravainen’s goal was the result of the Red Wings’ penalty kill getting caught up in a puck battle along the boards. The Blackhawks were just too quick in moving the puck. Teravainen camped out at the top of the slot and unleashed a one-timer.
Tyler Bertuzzi’s goal, just 13 seconds into the power play opportunity, exposed just how slow the Red Wings’ penalty kill was. Bertuzzi was left all alone at the side of the net, tucking the puck between John Gibson’s pads for an easy goal.
Had the Red Wings avoided that goal, they could have had a chance to get back into the game. Unfortunately, the tally made the game 3-1 and pretty dashed any hopes for a comeback.
Fans hope Sunday’s performance was an aberration. But looking at the trend, it could be that the Wings are headed into a downward spiral.
Consistency will be crucial for Red Wings moving forward
The Red Wings’ fantastic first month of the season has sent encouraging signs for the team’s fan base. But the broader issue now will be whether that performance is sustainable.
The Wings are now 1-3-0 since the calendar turned to November. Their only win came via the shootout against the San Jose Sharks. The three following losses have seen the club’s offense evaporate.
Detroit was shut out 1-0 by Vegas, then scored one goal in back-to-back games. That’s two goals in three losses. Simply put, that’s not going to cut it moving forward. If the Red Wings are going to become true playoff contenders, they’ll have to put forth more consistent efforts.
October was a great sign of things to come. But there’s no question that consistency will be the biggest issue for the Red Wings as the season progresses.
There’s plenty of time to iron out issues plaguing the team. So, there’s no reason to reach for the panic button yet. However, this conversation could take a drastic turn if things don’t turn around by Thanksgiving.