Detroit Red Wings Weekly Recap: Wrapping Up Week 12

Welcome to my twelfth regular-season Detroit Red Wings weekly review. This week, the Red Wings played two games. Both games took place at Little Caesars Arena as the Detroit Red Wings went 1-1.

The win came against the Ottawa Senators, 4-2, but Detroit suffered defeat at the hands of the New Jersey Devils, 5-1.

Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond shined in week 12.

Positives

Forward Lucas Raymond led the Red Wings in scoring this week with two goals and one assist for three points. Although he has been a bit streaky as of late in his sophomore season, Raymond is proving he can still play in the NHL and be quite productive.

No longer on the top line, he is also showing he can play and produce without top players on his line.

The faceoff percentage was good this week. The Detroit Red Wings still have a ways to go, but they won key faceoffs in the offensive zone, resulting in goals. Center Dylan Larkin was key and aggressive in the faceoff dot, winning more than he lost.

The new top line of Larkin, Michael Rasmussen, and David Perron has been excellent since being put together. Larkin (two-way game), Perron (offensive threat), and Rasmussen (tough, physical, net front) have been the best line over the past couple of weeks.

All elements of the game are in one line, and that leads to success. All three players have a solid all-around game and they complement each other well.

Negatives

In the 5-1 loss to New Jersey, the Detroit Red Wings lacked motivation and energy, almost wanting to get the game over with. There was no sense of energy during the third period. Some players did manage to get scoring opportunities.

Forward Dominik Kubalik has gone quiet in terms of scoring. He has two points in his last five games. Once a lethal scoring threat, he has not played the same and has switched between the third and fourth line as of late.

The defense, although better, has been sloppy as of late. In the past two games, opposing forwards have been blowing past the defense en route to the net for scoring chances. The physical play seems to have been put aside and, again, there are missed assignments.

Moritz Seider seems to be coming around slowly after a rough start but still has a way to go.

Weekly record: 1-1-0

Season record: 16-12-8