Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde didn’t hold back in expressing the vulnerability of his team after a 4-3 home defeat to the Anaheim Ducks. Lalonde acknowledged the fragility, attributing it to the preceding close losses against Carolina and Philadelphia.
Despite some positive elements in their play, the team found itself trailing 1-0 within three minutes and facing a 4-0 deficit early in the second period against Anaheim.
Lalonde acknowledged the early setbacks, highlighting the team’s improved emotional engagement in the latter part of the game. The matchup against Anaheim, theoretically favorable due to their back-to-back road games, did not pan out as expected, with the Ducks showing resilience.
Forward Patrick Kane noted the challenge of chasing games in the league and the Ducks’ strong start due to playing the night before.
Forward Alex DeBrincat echoed Lalonde’s candid assessment, emphasizing the team’s need to be prepared and lamenting the loss of two crucial points.
The game saw the return of captain Dylan Larkin but also witnessed injuries to goalie Ville Husso and forward Klim Kostin, leaving the Red Wings with only one healthy NHL goalie, James Reimer.
Lalonde expressed skepticism about having Husso available for the upcoming game against Winnipeg and acknowledged the recurrence of issues that plagued the team earlier in the season, such as slow starts and goaltending challenges.
With a December schedule packed with 15 games, Lalonde recognized the toll it could take on his team and stressed the need for improvement, urging the players to find energy and urgency in their game.
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