Welcome to my second regular-season Detroit Red Wings review. In week 2, the Detroit Red Wings played four games, two at home and two on the road. Detroit traveled to Chicago to face the Blackhawks and then ended the week by traveling to play the first-place Boston Bruins in Boston. The home games were against the Anaheim Ducks and the New Jersey Devils. For the week, the Red Wings went 1-3.
Weekly Detroit Red Wings Review: Wrapping Up Week 2
Positives
- Forward Dominik Kubalik continued his hot play and could be a steal in free agency. He totaled a point in three of the four games. Kubalik scored three goals, including a power play goal, and had three assists for six points in the four games. He now has four goals and six assists for ten points in seven games. His play has been consistent as he continues to produce offensively in a top-four role for the Detroit Red Wings.
- Captain Dylan Larkin is also scoring at a good pace, scoring two goals this week, including a power play goal. His offense now stands at four goals and four assists for eight points. Larkin also continued his solid two-way play, as he is one of the best defensive forwards in the league. He continues to lead by example, even during a week like this past week.
- The power play went 4-14 this past week, bringing their season total to 17.2%. The chances on the power play came consistently, and the passing was fast and crisp. Surprisingly, they only had four power-play goals because the passing execution and movement with the players on the extra man advantage was smooth.
Negatives
- Red Wings goaltending gave up 16 goals in four games last week. If the Red Wings want to be contenders, they need to work on the defensive issues and improve the goaltending. Goaltenders Ville Husso and Alex Nedeljkovic are solid goaltenders and have to be sharper in the net.
- Aside from the 52% in Boston, the faceoff wins should be more consistent. Losing draws have been an issue and, more often than not, resulted in the opposition getting a scoring chance. A solid top-four at the center position should not be this bad.
- Consistency, as this past week, showed the Red Wings of the past few seasons. In one game, the offense, defense, and goaltending are clicking then they fall off completely for two games. Then the play is back to sound again. Detroit has a long way to go before they are Stanley Cup contenders.
Weekly record: 1-2-1
Season record: 3-2-2
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