Detroit Red Wings HC Derek Lalonde makes his feelings known about back-to-back losses after 5-1 defeat to Canadiens

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Dec 22, 2024 05:51 GMT

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The Detroit Red Wings lost 5-1 to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday at the Bell Centre. This marks their second consecutive loss, dropping their record to 13-16-4. They are currently in seventh place in the Atlantic Division, just ahead of the Buffalo Sabres.

Following the loss, Coach Derek Lalonde addressed the media, noting that the team had a strong start but couldn't sustain the momentum.

"It was unfortunate because we had really good start." Lalonde said. "Not only the goal but we had some pace, we had some zone time then we let it get away from us a little bit there in the first. But I still thought we'd be okay ... in the second." (5:55 mark)

"We just spent too much time in our zone. We couldn't get the stops. I think we only gave them three chances and gave them six shots. But the momentum they built off zone time, was the difference."

Joe Veleno gave the Red Wings an early 1-0 lead with his fourth goal of the season. However, the Canadiens quickly took control, with goals from Juraj Slafkovsky, Jake Evans, Patrik Laine, Emil Heineman and Brendan Gallagher sealing the win for Montreal.

Lalonde expressed frustration over the team’s recent losses, particularly after blowing a 3-2 lead in the previous game. He emphasized the need for continued effort before the holiday break.

"It has been unfortunate seventy minutes here, have a 3-2 lead last night with 1- minutes remaining and find ourselves in this position, it is unfortunate," Lalonde said, " One more before the break, need the guys to stay on and give some effort on Monday."

The Detroit Red Wings struggled defensively and failed to score on four power plays. Montreal scored once on five power-play opportunities. The Canadiens also won 57.1% of faceoffs compared to Detroit’s 42.9%.

Detroit Red Wings failed to answer to Montreal Canadians' offense

Joe Veleno gave Detroit a 1-0 lead at 6:41, deflecting a pass from Jonatan Berggren. Montreal tied it 1-1 at 14:14 when Juraj Slafkovsky deflected Nick Suzuki’s shot.

Evans put Montreal ahead 2-1 at 15:26 with a wrist shot. Laine made it 3-1 at 19:21 on a power play, assisted by Lane Hutson and Suzuki.

Heineman increased Montreal's lead to 4-1 at 2:40 of the second period with a wrist shot. Gallagher sealed the win with a slapshot at 13:03, making it 5-1.

The Detroit Red Wings will look to bounce back in their next game against the St. Louis Blues on Monday.