The Red Wings are just past the quarter-point of the 2024-2025 regular season, sporting a record of 10-11-2. Following Friday night’s loss against New Jersey, the Wings are 3-2-0 in their last five games. Let’s have a look at the good, bad, and ugly as we close out of November.
Positives:
Blossoming Youth Movement:
The Red Wings’ youth movement has finally arrived, and the play of Marco Kasper, Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson (whenever Lalonde decides to play him), and Jonatan Berggren have brought dividends to the team’s performance so far.
Kasper, in particular, has created a much-needed spark since his call-up from Grand Rapids and has even recorded two goals, two assists, and an even plus/minus through 18 games. Like Kasper, Berggren has also been a boost lately with his three goals and one assist in 22 games. While that doesn’t sound like much, their play without the puck speaks loader than what shows up on the scoresheet.
On defense, the presence of Edvinsson on the blue line has quite literally been the difference between a 3-2 win and a 4-1 loss. His smooth skating ability and patience with the puck in the defensive zone are exactly what those in Grand Rapids have been raving about and a shining light of hope on the back end.
Similarly, Johansson has impressed the Wings with his hockey IQ and ability to skate with the puck with a 6-foot, 168 lb build. The only issue with Johansson is his infrequent usage due to often being listed as an optional seventh defenseman or injury plug-in.
Larkin Lighting the Lamp:
Dylan Larkin has played outstanding thus far for Detroit by scoring a team-leading 12 goals to go along with six assists and a shooting percentage of 21.1% through 23 games.
While half of Larkin’s goal production has come via the power play, his ability to grind in dirty areas and establish pressure has set up quality offensive opportunities for the rest of the team.
Potent Power-play:
Currently ranked as the No. 6 unit in the league and No. 3 in the Eastern Conference, the Wings have greatly benefitted from their power-play success thus far.
At 29.7%, Detroit’s offense is primarily driven through the man advantage via conversion or more aggressive play generated from the chance. Leading the team in power-play goals is Larkin with six, followed by DeBrincat’s five and Kane and Kasper with two.
Negatives:
Poor Coaching:
Given the Wings’ remarkable play to finish the season last year, there was hope that Derek Lalonde could push the right buttons this season… That clearly has not been the case (at least not yet).
Lalonde’s lineup strategies have not worked, particularly when trying to generate offense in the top six outside of Larkin and Raymond. On the back end, his wonky usage of Johansson has driven many fans crazy as well.
I am sure there is much more to be said about Lalonde’s performance so far, but I will leave it at that to keep this article short.
Even-Strength Offense Nearly Non-existent:
The Red Wing’s even-strength play is abysmal, to be kind. The problem not only relates to their lack to scoring but extends to their inability to even get shots on goal.
Over the team’s 23 games this season, the Red Wings have averaged 24.87 shots per game, ranking 31st in the league. While an enormous portion of last season’s scoring was lost through free agency, the ability to even get shots on goal at this level should not be a challenge.
The struggle to generate offensive production in even-strength scenarios pretty much limits the team to being “power=play merchants.”
Penalty Kill Dumpsterfire:
The penalty kill has been horrendous, ranking as the worst in the league at 66.2%. While penalty killing is predicated on closing passing lanes and relieving pressure whenever possible, the Wings’ inability to keep opposing power-plays off the scoresheet has kept the team’s success stuck in the mud.
Overall: C+
The Wings’ performance thus far has been extremely disappointing, considering the hype surrounding the team entering the year. The lack of 5-on-5 offense and a dilapidated penalty-kill has been almost depressing to watch. However, the goaltending from Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot and the soaring power-play have kept the winged-wheel ship afloat.
Fortunately for the Wings, the Eastern Conference is filled with other relatively mediocre-performing teams that have masked Detroit’s struggles as it relates to the current standings.
However, if the concerns are not fixed soon, I would not be surprised if Lalonde (at least) is relieved of duties, especially given the team’s underperformance in a year where qualifying for the playoffs is the heralded goal.
