Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen spoke with Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde and defenseman Jeff Petry regarding what the Red Wings must do to negate the negative predictions regarding the Red Wings’ ultimate playoff fate:
“I think the guys are motivated,” Lalonde said. “I think they saw what it looked like, what it took. Obviously, we didn’t handle Dylan’s injury very well. We were barely competitive some nights without Dylan. We’ll have to be better in those situations. Some of those ups and down and how important it is you’re battling for every point. I think it was a lesson learned.”
The Red Wings tied the Washington Capitals in points (91) for the final playoff spot, but lost the tiebreaker.
Considering Detroit was 4-10 when captain Dylan Larkin was injured, it was easy to start a list of how the Red Wings could find an extra point or two. They all want to believe this team is improved, embracing a stronger commitment to keeping opponents off the scoreboard. Last season, the Red Wings surrendered four or more goals in 39 of 82 games. That was 47. % of the time.
“The reality of it, we sat here last year coming off an 80-point season and no one had us in the playoffs,” Lalonde said. “I understand it. It was a little motivation for our group. I thought they pushed. We improved 11 points. But when you get to the brink, as a natural step you have to take, of course expectations have changed. It’ll be a little different challenge for our group, how we ride some highs and lows, but I still think it’s about taking care of your game in the moment.”
