The Daily: Red Wings Have Challenges Ahead; Habs May Keep Savard

Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde sounded particularly disappointed about his team’s performance in a 5-3 loss to the New York Islanders. The team had a poor start and didn’t show the level of consistency that they had  racking up six consecutive wins before this contest.

The Red Wings were undoubtedly hoping to still be playing at a high level when they started a challenging stretch in their schedule.

They face the Florida Panthers Saturday and the Panthers just took over the No. 1 position in the NHL standings.  They have won nine of their last 10 games.

SAM REINHART IS A 40 GOAL SCORER pic.twitter.com/mJ8RKTG5Xk

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 1, 2024

The Detroit squad then embarks on a four-game road trip that includes  Colorado, Arizona, Vegas and Buffalo.

“They’re all good. We’re looking at two Stanley Cup contenders, maybe favorites over the next week. Three of them, probably,” Lalonde said. “Opportunities like this, we’re gonna need every single point through 82 games and tonight (against the Islanders) it felt like a missed opportunity. “

The Coyotes (0-8-2 in their last 10), but Florida, Colorado and Vegas are contenders. The Golden Knights have been overrun by injuries. Even the Sabres are 6-4 in their last 10.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Detroit wasted an impressive offensive showing by steady defenseman Olli Maatta Thursday in the loss to the New York Islanders.
• Paywall story: Tim Robinson provides an update on 2023 draft pick Larry Keenan who is playing for Penticton in the British Columbia Hockey League. Former Red Wings Brett Hull and Joe Murphy played there. To subscribe to paywall stories and remove ads, click here.  To get $10 off our subscriptions price, use the promo code kevin10.
• Former Detroit player Tyler Bertuzzi has emerged from his scoring slump to help his Toronto Maple Leafs win some games.

Red Wings Next Game

Detroit is home to face the Florida Panthers Saturday at 3 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena . The Red Wings beat the Panthers 3-2 in overtime in their last meeting in Florida on Jan. 17. Dylan Larkin scored the game-winner. Patrick Kane takes a 10-game point scoring streak (5-10-15) into Saturday’s game.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: General manager Don Sweeney confirms there’s a gap in contract talks between the Boston Bruins and Jake DeBrusk.

Colorado: Report says the Colorado Avalanche were a finalist in the negotiations to acquire Chris Tanev.

Florida: The Florida Panthers (40-16-4) downed the Montreal Canadiens to become the No. 1 team in the NHL standings.

Montreal: Pierre LeBrun is reporting the Montreal Canadiens, unsure they want to move David Savard, have set a high price (a first round pick or equivalent) for him in the trade market. Savard is a desirable veteran who helps his team on and off the ice.

Philadelphia: Many around the NHL believe the Philadelphia Flyers as vulnerable to falling out of the playoffs, but Sam Carchidi points out that Moneypuck.com pegs the Flyers chances of making the playoffs at 74,5%,