The Detroit Red Wings have been struggling with several one-goal losses recently. They’ve lost four consecutive games, each by just one goal, including two in overtime. They’re hoping to break this frustrating trend when they play the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.
In their most recent loss, Detroit failed to earn a point. The Red Wings gave up a last-minute goal in the third period, losing 2-1 to Ottawa on Thursday.
“We outchanced them five-on-five, we spent a little too much time in the penalty box, but we give up two goals in 60 minutes on the road, you certainly hope to find a way to get a point out of it,” said coach Derek Lalonde. “It’s a little frustrating how it ended.”
The Red Wings have had many close losses recently. Their last six losses have been by just one goal.
Josh Norris, a Michigan native, scored both of the Senators’ goals on Thursday.
“That’s a tough one,” said Detroit captain Dylan Larkin. “I think we played well enough to get two points, and we got zero. With 40 seconds left, we just got to button things up and get it to overtime.”
With injuries keeping goaltenders Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon off the ice, the Red Wings are relying on Ville Husso. Husso, who had a rough start to the season and spent some time in the AHL, made 30 saves in the Ottawa game but needed one more to send it into overtime.
“We have to find it from within and show what we’re capable of,” Larkin said. “We have a tough matchup at home on Saturday, then we’re back on the road and then we’re at home (before) Christmas. It’s time to start playing some hockey and not just set the bar for an overtime loss or getting one point.”
The Avalanche have also been struggling lately. They’ve lost three of their last four games and four of their last six. On Thursday, they lost 5-3 to Carolina in Raleigh, N.C.
“We didn’t move the puck quick enough, didn’t handle their pressure well enough,” said Avs coach Jared Bednar.
The game was essentially decided by one goal, with the Hurricanes scoring an empty-netter at the end.
Goaltender Scott Wedgewood made his first start for Colorado after being acquired from Nashville last weekend. He made 30 saves during the game.
“He gave us a chance,” said Bednar. “He made a lot of big saves, especially in (the) first period.”
Valeri Nichushkin scored two of Colorado’s goals. Since being activated in mid-November, he has scored five goals. Nichushkin was allowed to return after completing Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, which included being suspended without pay for at least six months.
“If you look at a guy like Val, he’s been consistently getting better since he’s been back in the lineup,” Bednar said. “And now he’s starting to produce.”
The game against Detroit is part of Colorado’s five-game road trip.
