Duffer’s Dabbles: Coyotes Latest Bottom Feeder To Belt Red Wings

Anyone with even an iota of knowledge about the history of the Detroit Red Wings knew that what unfolded Saturday in Glendale was entirely possible. The Arizona Coyotes, an NHL-worst 2-13-2 entering the game, rallied for a 2-1 overtime decision over the Red Wings.

With a .176 winning percentage prior to Saturday’s game, the Coyotes were ranking among the worst NHL teams of all-time. That they defeated Detroit simply made them the latest of the NHL’s bottom feeders to put a beating on the Red Wings.

In 1974-75, the Washington Capitals went 8-67-5 for an NHL-worst .131 winning percentage. But one of Washington’s eight wins was a 6-3 victory over the Red Wings on January 25, 1975.

Two seasons earlier, the New York Islanders went 12-60-6 (.192). But on February 24, 1973, they beat the Red Wings 2-1. How costly was that loss for the Wings? Detroit missed the playoffs that season by two points.

THIS DAY IN HOCKEY HISTORY – Nov 11, 1930:

The #NHL comes to Philadelphia for the first time and the Philadelphia Quakers lose 3-0 to the Rangers. The Quakers go 4-36-4 and drop out of the NHL after one season, leaving Philly without an NHL team until the Flyers arrive in 1967. pic.twitter.com/gjAIG0HxDw

— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) November 11, 2020

The 1930-31 Philadelphia Quakers won an NHL-low four games, going 4-36-4 (.136). But they posted 50% of their victories against Detroit. On February 17, 1931 they blanked Detroit 2-0 for their only road victory. The Quakers fashioned a 5-2 home-ice victory over Detroit on March 12, 1931.

In 1929-30, the Pittsburgh Pirates were 5-36-3 (.148). They won 40% of their games at the expense of Detroit. Pittsburgh were 3-1 winners over Detroit on December 26, 1929 and 3-2 victors on Feburary 1, 1930.

Down On The Farm

Jonatan Berggen scored twice but the Grand Rapids Griffins ended up dropping a 4-3 overtime decision to the Texas Stars in an AHL game on Saturday.

Kyle Criscuolo (1-1-2) also finished with a two-point night. Turner Elson extended his points streak to two games (1-1-2).

Around The League

Detroit: As the Red Wings near the quarter pole of the NHL season, a look at the plusses and minuses of the 2021-22 campaign so far.

Pittsburgh: Just like everyone figured would happen, the struggling Penguins blanked the red-hot Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0.

Boston: Smacking the Flyers 5-2, it was the third straight game that the Bruins were beating Philly by that score.

Islanders: Opening their new UBS Arena, the Isles tumbled by a 5-2 count to the Calgary Flames.