Unable to build any positive momentum, while their captain sounds exasperated, the Detroit Red Wings head into their home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night with six losses in seven games.
The Red Wings snapped a five-game losing streak on Monday by rallying from a two-goal, third-period deficit to earn a 6-5 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in a shootout.
That momentary bit of hope was followed by a 4-1 road loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, which was closer than the score indicated. Scott Laughton, who provided all of the Flyers’ offense, scored two empty-net goals in the final 1:07.
“Games like this are frustrating,” Detroit center Dylan Larkin said, after the Red Wings were outshot 36-26. “It was a winnable game. There wasn’t much energy in the building the first couple periods, but we allowed the fans to get into it with chances we gave them.
“I don’t know why we can’t build momentum and play a consistent hockey game. We’re looking for that and it’s really frustrating right now to not have an answer for that.”
Detroit has been unable to pair up more than two victories in a row since a season-best three game winning streak in October.
“We gave up too much, the odd mans (rushes). This will be a different approach going into Saturday,” Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde said. “We’ll need to correct a little more than we have. It’s about finding ways to get points on the road and flip these tight games like we did the other night.”
The Detroit offense hasn’t produced enough to get a winning streak going. Patrick Kane has one goal in 17 games since Oct. 26 and Vladimir Tarasenko has four goals in 28 games this season.
The game on Saturday begins a stretch when the Wings play seven of eight at home.
“We’ve tried a lot of different things,” Larkin said. “The guys in the room have to come together and start playing a consistent hockey game. We have a big homestand before Christmas here and hopefully we can take advantage.”
The Maple Leafs, in contrast, are battling Florida for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. Toronto has won its last two games — 2-1 in overtime at New Jersey on Tuesday and 3-2 at home against Anaheim on Thursday.
However, it wasn’t all good news this week. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz left Thursday’s game during the first period due to a lower-body injury. He was replaced by Joseph Woll, who made 19 saves.
“It’s kind of mixed emotions,” Woll said. “Obviously, I’m sad for him. I don’t want him to get hurt. At the same time, I’ve got a job to do. I hope he’ll be alright.”
The 36-year-old Max Pacioretty had a throwback performance with two goals and an assist. Pacioretty, who has scored 334 career goals, only had four in 47 games with Washington last season.
“He’s scored in this league for a number of years,” coach Craig Berube said. “He’s a 30-goal scorer, you know. He’s strong around the net and he’s got a good stick and a good shot. Plays a heavy game.”
Toronto won its first meeting with Detroit 3-1 at home on Nov. 8 behind two goals from John Tavares.
–Field Level Media