Red Wings Notebook: Penalty Kill Murdering Team’s Chances

The worst penalty kill in the NHL did in the Detroit Red Wings again on Friday. Allowing three power-play goals in four chances was spelling a death knell for Detroit hopes in a 5-4 loss to the New Jersey Devils at Little Caesars Arena.

“We got to figure it out,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said. “It’s killing us.”

Detroit’s penalty kill fell to 66.1% on the season (43-for-65). That’s 32nd overall in the 32-team NHL.

Friday was marking the third time this season that the Wings have allowed three power-play goals in a game. They’ve given up at least one power-play goal in 14 of 23 games this season.

Lalonde was suggesting that the team will be looking at both personnel and systems in trying to determine what they can be doing better when down a man.

“It could be a little of both I think,” Lalonde said. “I think both have found a way into it not executing or performing. I have liked our personnel of late, kind of went with the (same) six (forwards).

“We’ve had some structure on it. But this was certainly a step back, so I think both have to be looked at.”

Interference, Or Not?

Game officials ruled in favor of the latter and a video review was backing them out on New Jersey’s first goal. There clearly was contact between New Jersey forward Stefan Noesen and Detroit goalie Cam Talbot. However, replays look to be supporting the call on the ice, which was that the contact came outside the blue paint and was initiated by Talbot.

Bar Down Dougie. 😤#NJDevils | @Mikes_Amazing pic.twitter.com/yGhopzxj2E

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) November 29, 2024

Naturally, Lalonde was begging to differ.

“I didn’t see that,” Lalonde said. “He’s in the blue paint. You’re supposed to be allowed to play your position.

“I appreciate the explanation, but maybe it’s time for some artificial intelligence on goalie interferences. Maybe they should take all the calls because I’m a little baffled by that one.”

Red Wings Raymond Scores Again

Make it five games in a row with a goal for Lucas Raymond. The Detroit forward equaled his career high for games in a row with a goal that he was establishing last season.

That's a goal in 5-straight for Razor. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rStBY5trlF

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 29, 2024

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Vladimir Tarasenko was scoring for the first time since October 19. Both forward Tyler Motte and defenseman Justin Holl were scoring their first goals of the season. Each was also tallying their first goal while playing for the Red Wings.

Ice Chips

Red Wings goalie Cam Talbot was playing his 500th NHL game . . . Five of Detroit’s last six games have been decided by one goal . . . Raymond joined current Detroit GM Steve Yzerman (five times) as the second Red Wings player to record multiple five-game goal streaks at age 22 or younger . . . Detroit forward JT Compher was collecting his 250th NHL point.