Detroit Red Wings: Wrapping up week 9 of the 2023-24 season

Welcome to my ninth 2023-24 regular season Detroit Red Wings weekly review. The Red Wings played three games this week, posting a 2-1 record.

They began the week with a thrilling 5-4 overtime win against the Montreal Canadians. Detroit then got a big 5-3 division win against the Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo and finished the week with a disappointing 6-5 loss against the San Jose Sharks.

Positives

The offense got back on track as they accounted for 15 goals over the three games, scoring exactly five goals per game.

The offensive creativity was a big plus as several goals were scored due to exceptional passing and quick player movement inside the offensive zone. The defensemen got involved too, adding another weapon to an already lethal offensive unit. When the offense is hot, this team is unstoppable.

The penalty kill was noticeable this week in a good way. every game, they smothered the opposition inside the defensive zone and gave them little to no time to operate.

The penalty kill was 9-12 this week and raised their penalty kill average to 78.5%, which ranks 18th in the league.

Defenseman Ben Chiarot was excellent, playing physically in front of the net and the defensive system put in place for Detroit provided a positive outcome this week.

Detroit Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen was on fire this week, leading the team with five points in three goals and two assists. He has come a long way since his rookie season, improving his skating and defensive work to be a better all-around player.

He was able to use his size in front of the net, pushing the defense aside to deflect pucks and provide screens. and score some garbage goals. His totals for the season are five goals and six assists for 11 points in 25 games.

It has been a very interesting season for the Detroit Red Wings so far.

Negatives

While the Detroit Red Wings had a winning record this week, the game against San Jose was an old story being told again.

Aside from the debut of Patrick Kane, the Red Wings had to battle back after being up 4-0 because of defensive lapses in the third period.

This is not the first time this has happened and it is something that needs to be fixed before playoff time. Crucial points could be lost if this becomes a regular thing again because their falling behind will not always result in a comeback.

Speaking of which, the defense has to tighten up. The Red Wings did average five goals over the three games but only won two out of three. The defense was sloppy and the goaltending allowed 13 goals this week.

The Detroit Red Wings know what they have to fix to clean up the defensive zone so it is a matter of acting on it.

At points during the Sharks game, it was as if goaltending was left to fend for itself, receiving no support from the defense or the forwards. Goaltender Ville Husso has struggled recently, even allowing four goals in a win against Montreal.

The power play, once a deadly weapon, went cold this week, going 2-10. Despite numerous chances and great looks at the net, Detroit could not find the back of the net.

The addition of Kane should help once he gets settled in his new surroundings. This offense should not be limited by the extra man advantage due to the weapons they now have on the roster. This was a bad week for the power play but they could easily turn this around.

Weekly record: 2-1

Season record: 14-7-4, 32 points, 3rd in the Atlantic Division