The Detroit Red Wings are eager to break their recent string of poor performances as they face the Nashville Predators, following a disheartening 6-3 defeat to the Minnesota Wild on the road.
While the Red Wings are not enduring the same level of struggles as their NBA counterparts, the Pistons, who recently set a record for consecutive losses, their December has been marked by a challenging 2-8-1 record in the last 11 games.
Coach Derek Lalonde expressed frustration over the team’s inability to manage their game, citing a third-period collapse against the Wild where they allowed four goals in under 10 minutes.
Lalonde pointed to turnovers as a significant issue, noting the stark contrast between the second and third periods.
The Red Wings, who started the season with a 14-7-3 record, are at risk of falling to a .500 mark with a regulation loss to the Predators.
Despite the team’s struggles, one positive aspect has been the performance of Patrick Kane, a recent free-agent acquisition, who carries a five-game point streak and a four-game goal streak into the upcoming contest against the Predators.
On the other side, the Predators are also looking to rebound after losing their last two games, including a 5-2 defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Coach Andrew Brunette acknowledged the team’s carelessness at times and highlighted an emotional game that led to offensive zone penalties. The Hurricanes capitalized on special teams, scoring three goals with the man advantage.
Ryan O’Reilly, who scored his 14th goal of the season in the recent loss, emphasized the need to improve goal-scoring efficiency.
Despite acknowledging positive aspects of their play, O’Reilly expressed frustration with missed opportunities.
Looking ahead, the upcoming game between the Predators and the Red Wings will be the first of two meetings this season, with a rematch scheduled for March 23 in Nashville.
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