If you want to check out some tough stats, look no further than the Detroit Red Wings goals for to goals against ratio, which remains near the NHL’s basement. With 65 goals scored through 25 games, the Wings are once again back in 29th despite a recent scoring uptick.
Earlier in the season, goaltending looked like a strength if the Wings didn’t need to call on Ville Husso. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case, and Detroit finds themselves 20th in the NHL in goals allowed with 79.
In the middle of November, “laughably bad” was about where the Wings ranked in my hierarchy. And while they may have gotten a little more relevant with 24 points on the season following Tuesday, they may need more than just a little luck if they plan on making a serious postseason run.
So, if I were to hand the Wings a letter grade this season, I’d give them something around a D, as a team that was in serious playoff contention not even a year ago has more than crash-landed back to mediocrity. But what’s going on exactly, and how can the Wings even begin to remedy the issue?
Red Wings underachieving ways have rightfully led to fan frustration
Seeking a coach who knows a thing or two about winning hockey games might be a good place to start. Like, while the Wings still have a remote chance to land a playoff berth would be ideal, and it’s something that worked for a few teams last season. The Edmonton Oilers are the epitome, but the New York Islanders also found more success following a coaching swap.
Here’s another suggestion: Find a way to stop allowing so many shots on goal per game, a number that’s at 31.25 if you add up every shot Alex Lyon, Cam Talbot, and Ville Husso faced in 25 matchups. That’s not a great number for any team, and even one that can score relatively consistently would have a tough time contending with it.
Not to mention, the Wings netminders have held up rather well, despite the team sinking to 20th in goals allowed. Getting that number to under 30 shots on goal per game may not seem like a massive decrease, but allowing 8.8 percent fewer shots (29 of 31.25) could serve as a difference maker.
Finally, get consistent with scoring. It's something the Wings have gotten better at, putting up at least four goals per game three times in their previous five contests. A few players, including Vladimir Tarasenko, have started getting hot offensively, so if the Wings can just get consistent at the same time on both ends of the ice, maybe I’ll give them at least a ‘C’ the next time I hand out a report card.