Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde, center, watches the action on the ice during an NHL regular season hockey game between the New York Islanders and the Detroit Red Wings
Sometimes, it’s really important where you begin.
During their recent road trips, the Red Wings didn’t start well in their opening games, especially struggling in the first period. This trend has affected them over the past 10 games. As they embark on a five-game road trip amid a tight wild card race, their starts could determine how well they perform.
Detroit coach Derek Lalonde emphasized the significance of this upcoming challenge. He acknowledged the tough opponents they will face and the importance of earning as many points as possible.
The Red Wings’ struggles aren’t solely external; they also face internal challenges. In the last 10 games, they’ve often fallen behind by at least two goals in the first period, putting them at a disadvantage. Winning in the NHL is already tough, but conceding goals early makes it even harder. The team is acutely aware of their poor starts.
However, in their recent victory against the Islanders, Detroit showed signs of improvement. They had a competitive first period, which set them up well for the rest of the game.
Moving forward, Detroit needs to focus on having stronger starts, especially in the first 20 minutes. Previous road trips have highlighted the importance of this, as they’ve struggled to win games when falling behind early.
Success in the first period for Detroit means avoiding conceding big leads. Even a tied or scoreless first period can prevent them from being in a deficit and make winning more achievable.
The upcoming road trip presents a tough challenge for the Red Wings, facing playoff-caliber teams. Lalonde emphasized the importance of growth and staying competitive, especially in tight games.
If the Red Wings can improve their starts, it could positively impact their overall performance and results during the road trip. Taking care of how they begin may lead to better outcomes in the end.
