There are very few Red Wings losses where I’m upset these days. They’re in a rebuild, losses will outnumber wins at certain stretches, and players are learning and growing. But the display in the Red Wings 5-4 loss during their penalty kill in overtime was one that absolutely must stop.
Observation #1 starts here:
I don’t like to bag on players, especially ones who have given their livelihood and body to the sport. But the overtime decision to have Danny DeKesyer on the penalty kill–a four on three to boot, was coaching malpractice.
Anyone, and I mean anyone, can see that DeKeyser is simply a shell of his former self. He cannot keep up like he used to and the final shift in overtime leading to the goal was a microcosm of his last two seasons. He’s banged up, gutting it out and giving whatever he has left to the Red Wings.
But it’s not working anymore. And last night, it cost the Red Wings dearly in overtime.
#2: It was a collection of unfortunate events that the Wings to this point, but DeKeyser happened to be on the ice for both the tying and winning goal. The first was just a bad bounce that found its way into the net, but key to that moment was Moritz Seider being replaced by Filip Hronek after being shaken up. Seider, as many have pointed out, has helped balance out the pairing. Could that have played into it? Regardless, it was the overtime shift that really looked bad on both DeKeyser and head coach Jeff Blashill.
#3: I have been one of Blashill’s staunchest supporters, but this never should have happened. I’d rather see three forwards out there on the kill because DeKeyser cannot keep up like he once could. He just can’t. So having him out there, where there is more ice to cover is utterly ridiculous.
#4: Will this game make or break the season? Nope. Will it limit the Red Wings from making the playoffs? Of course not. They’re on the wrong side of the playoff chase and there isn’t an expectation for them to make it there.
But it’s mind boggling as to why in pivotal moments he’s out there. Frans Nielsen and Justin Abdelkader both sat for long stretches when it became obvious they were no longer able to help the team like they once could. We’re seeing the same tired tie-goes-to-the-veteran mentality that has been a carry over from Babcock and also has Edmonton fans all but burning Ken Holland in effigy right now.
#5:
#6: Tyler Bertuzzi just continues to make good on that contract extension, chipping in three points including a goal. Bertuzzi and Dylan Larkin continue to do the little and big things that add up for this team. Larkin had a highlight reel goal to his own name, and as more help arrives, it’ll be interesting to see if Yzerman goes long on contract extensions for both.
#7: It’s becoming more evident with every passing game that Filip Zadina just looks beyond frustrated. It’s to the effect that I am now more convinced that he won’t be with the Red Wings when they’re perineal playoff competitors. It’s unfortunate but he looks devoid of any type of confidence when he’s on the ice.
#8. Regardless of the disappointment, at least we’re not Oilers fans. Good luck Edmonton–you’re seeing up close what drove Red Wings fans nuts for nearly a decade.