Too Many Red Wings Contributed to Bad California Trip

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin’s disappointment was evident when he talked to FanDuel Sports Network about the circumstances of his team’s 5-4 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks.

“It’s just unacceptable,” he said. “It’s just the details and missing opportunities. We have to score, we have to kill, we have to get pucks out. We’re not doing it.”

The Red Wings’ 0-2-1 performance on their three-game California tour has left their fan base angered and alarmed.  The losses to the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and Sharks brought home the reality of the team’s flaws.

Here are some of the issues that resulted in the poor performance in California:

Shot Disparity

The Red Wings were outshot 105 to 63 in the three California games. Coaches prefer to look at scoring chances. However, if you are getting outshot that significantly, then sooner or later you will pay a price. The Sharks outshot Detroit 22-10 over the last two periods an overtime.

Where’s the ‘D’?

Remember how much DHN wrote about Detroit’s new defensive emphasis in October? What happened? Coach Derek Lalonde’s defensive group gave up 15 goals in three games to the California. That’s five goals per game.

As of this morning, the Ducks and Sharks rank 27th and 28th respectively in scoring average, and the Kings are 15th. It’s not like Detroit was facing off against elite scoring teams.

The Red Wings, meanwhile, are 22nd in goals-against per game (3.33). The Red Wings finished 24th last season with a 3.33 GAA. Where is the improvement?

Scoring Droughts Galore

Vladimir Tarasenko is more engaged, posting an assist in all four road games on this trip. But he hasn’t scored a goal in 12 games.  Patrick Kane had no points in California and only has scored one goal in 11 games.  JT Compher has one goal in his past 13 games. The Red Wings are not receiving production from their second line.

If Detroit’s first line doesn’t produce multiple goals, this team is in trouble. This why the team ranks 26th in offense and 31st in shots on goal.

Bad Numbers

Alex DeBrincat posted two goals and four points against the California trio and yet he was minus-5 in those games. This matters. Everyone needs to be a full service player. Detroit needs a better defensive effort: Jeff Petry and Ben Chariot were both minus-5 in California.

They have become the symbols of this team’s inconsistency. Social media is often overrun by commentary on their play during games.

Their Penalty Killing is Murder

A percentage of 66.7% is a high “D” in the academic, but it is a failing grade in NHL penalty killing. The Red Wings needed a clean sheet. Instead, they gave up three more opposition power play goals in nine chances.

It’s hard to watch them play short a man. They show minimal confidence. Detroit rank 32nd in the 32-team NHL in penalty killing. The Red Wings are not a quality scoring team at even-strength. It’s good that they rank third in power play scoring (32%) or the season would truly be getting away from the Red Wings.