HC Derek Lalonde shines light on one specific facet that fueled Detroit Red Wings' 5-2 loss to Rangers

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Oct 18, 2024 05:17 GMT

The Detroit Red Wings lost 5-2 to the New York Rangers. Head coach Derek Lalonde said special teams were a main issue. The Red Wings now have a 1-3-0 record. They played against a strong Rangers team that has not lost apart from an overtime loss to Utah.

Lalonde noted that special teams impacted the game, especially in the second period. The Red Wings started strong, taking the first seven shots. However, they missed a key chance on a five-on-three power play. The Rangers capitalized and scored power-play goals.

(4:59) “No, special teams tonight. 100% special teams. The outburst was obviously their power play goals, which was three of them to extend the lead. Big part of the game we didn't execute.

"I mean, that was it. Recent things within our five on five that we can take away from this are fairly positive, but this game got away from us on special teams,” Lalonde said.

Despite a strong five-on-five effort, the Detroit Red Wings struggled against the Rangers' power play. Lalonde said the team controlled the game early. However, when the Rangers scored on their first power play, the game changed. Lalonde also saw a lack of confidence in the penalty kill.

This drop in urgency allowed the Rangers to take control, leading to three power-play goals. The Red Wings have had ongoing special teams issues this season. Looking ahead, Lalonde recognized the challenges of the early season. He stressed the need for focus and resilience.

“It’s just a little frustrating the way some of these have played out,” he said.

The Detroit Red Wings need to improve their special teams as the pressure to win grows.

Artemi Panarin became New York's hero in win over the Detroit Red Wings

Artemi Panarin led the New York Rangers to a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings with a hat trick and an assist.

"Tonight was definitely our night," Panarin said (via NHL.com). "We had everything going very well."

Panarin has 11 points in four games, becoming the first Rangers player to have multiple points in each of the first four games of a season.

"I didn’t know that, but that’s awesome," Panarin said. "I’m going to try to keep that going."

Vincent Trocheck had a goal and three assists, while Adam Fox contributed three assists. The Rangers were strong on special teams, scoring three power-play goals and successfully killing four out of five penalties.

Coach Peter Laviolette praised the team’s resilience, saying:

"The power play was good all night, and the penalty kill was big early in the game."

Jonathan Quick made 29 saves and credited the defense for winning battles in front of the net.