Red Wings' slide continues in week 26 as they are shutout twice in three games

Welcome to my 26th regular season recap of the Detroit Red Wings season. The Red Wings played three games this week, coming out with a 0-3 record.

They were shut out twice this week, losing to the Nashville Predators 1-0 and then to the Carolina Hurricanes 4-0. Between the shutouts, Detroit lost a critical game to the Washington Capitals 3-4 in overtime.

Positives

The Red Wings continue to battle through their struggles and compete on a nightly basis. The only game this week they were completely outmatched was the Hurricane game when they got beat 4-0. In the games against Nashville and Washington, they lost by a combined two goals, games they could have easily won.

They are coming to play every night and still competing, regardless of the outcome. There are still players fighting for jobs next season or contract extensions, so these remaining games mean more to some players than others.

Captain Dylan Larkin is playing like the old Larkin before he was out with a lower-body injury. He was sorely missed but is now back in the lineup, providing energy and leadership.

He has two goals and one assist for three points since his return and is focusing on getting this team back on track quickly. He is determined to get the Red Wings back in the playoffs this season, even if it means he plays hurt.

He is a warrior and their captain, doing everything in his power to keep this Red Wings train from completely crashing.

Forwards J.T. Compher and Alex DeBrincat both led the team in scoring this week with two points a piece. Compher had two assists against Washington, while DeBrincat had a goal and an assist against the Capital.

With offense slime this week, the two forwards came out on top with the offense Detroit needed to gain a point this week in a pivotal stretch.

Negatives

The offense, like the recent play, comes and goes with the Red Wings. They need to find consistency or the hopes of a wild card spot, even with it being extremely slim now, will fade away.

The team seems to have no jump or will to win as they had three games this week and scored three goals in a time when they needed every point available. The playoff hopes are drastically going down with every loss this team has.

Most thought it was the fact Larkin was out of the lineup, however, Detroit is only 2-3 with him back in the lineup. If Larkin's return does not save this team then nothing can. They failed to get wins when they needed them and were a sinking ship.

Defenseman Jeff Petry has been with the Red Wings for one season. That is all it should be as he should not be re-signed. His contract does not expire until the 2025-26 season but General Manager Steve Yzerman cannot bring him back next season.

From turnovers to missing open nets, to not taking a shot on an open net, this season has been a miserable one for Petry. He has often been sat and does not seem to be getting better.

When defenseman Jake Walman returns from the injured list, it will be either Petry or Simon Edvinsson that will sit and Petry does not deserve to play anymore this season. He has been horrendous in his zone and fails to live up to expectations in the offensive zone.

The team may have given up before the season ends knowing their playoff hopes are gone. With a record of 36-30-7 for 79 points, they are now in third place in the wild-card race, dropping out of the race for the second wild card, as the Washington Capitals have replaced them.

Detroit is now eight points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the top wild card spot but only sit two points ahead of the New York Islanders and three points ahead of the New Jersey Devils.

The 2023/24 season started with hope and promise but ended in heartbreak and sorrow. They held their own until the past couple of weeks but now it is out of reach for this season.

Weekly record: 0-3

Season record: 36-30-7, 79 points, 5th in Atlantic Division