As the Detroit Red Wings approach a troubling start to the 2024-25 NHL season, the imperative message is clear: they need to improve.
Despite focusing on enhancing their defensive play during training camp, the Red Wings have allowed four or more goals in three of their first four games. Following a 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Thursday, their record drops to 1-3 ahead of Saturday’s game in Nashville.
Detroit defenseman Ben Chiarot commented, “We work on our defensive play, handling rushes, and regrouping in our own zone every day. Although it’s early in the season, we must keep improving in these areas, as they are crucial for us right now.” In the game against the Rangers, Detroit allowed three power-play goals, including two from Artemi Panarin. By the 12:20 mark of the second period, they were trailing 5-1, although goalie Cam Talbot was not at fault for the score. Coach Derek Lalonde opted to pull Talbot in search of a momentum shift.
“Special teams were the downfall of this game,” Lalonde noted.
The Rangers converted three of four power-play opportunities, while the Red Wings managed only one out of six, which brings their season total to 2-for-17. This may be partly linked to the offseason departure of Shayne Gostisbehere and the loss of 18 power-play goals following his exit.
Penalties were detrimental too. After Moritz Seider opened the scoring for Detroit in the second period, Jonathan Berggren was penalized for hooking, allowing Vincent Trocheck to score on the power play. Erik Gustafsson was then called for high-sticking, leading to Panarin’s third goal of the game, making it 4-1 just seconds later, and ultimately prompting the score to escalate to 5-1. Gustafsson was returning from being a healthy scratch for two games.
“I’ll need to review the penalty situation,” Lalonde said. “I’m not sure if they were particularly impactful. The stick hold that led to a turnover and extended zone time is one I didn’t like. With the score 2-1 in the second and we’re pushing for the equalizer, we take that penalty, and suddenly it’s 3-1 and then 4-1. That was the turning point in the game.”
Overall, the Red Wings have been outscored 15-6 during their three losses. While each defeat presents its own issues, they share a commonality of failed execution on their objectives.
“Defensive play is where it all begins and is most critical,” said Detroit center J.T. Compher, who contributed one of Detroit’s goals. “We have more than enough players capable of scoring in our locker room.” Scoring was a concern heading into the season, and they currently have nine goals over four games, resulting in a scoring average of 2.25, which won’t suffice for a playoff push.
“It’s all about how we defend,” Chiarot emphasized. “If we defend well and regain possession, the goals will follow.”
