A Skid Continues: Wings Fall to Lightning in Frustrating 6–3 Defeat
DETROIT — From 1st to 5th in just a week. That’s where the Wings currently stand in the NHL’s Atlantic Division, and if they don’t turn things around soon, they’ll find themselves on the outside looking in on the playoffs. Yes, it’s early, but I see too many flaws in this team: not enough scoring, a defense that gives up too many high-quality scoring opportunities, and inconsistent goaltending.
It was another afternoon at Little Caesars Arena, and another tough lesson for a Red Wings team trying to steady the ship. In a game that felt like a snapshot of all their recent issues, Detroit showed flashes of life but ultimately couldn’t overcome costly mistakes, falling 6–3 to the surging Tampa Bay Lightning. The loss marks their third straight, dropping the Wings to 13-11-1 and raising some uncomfortable questions about consistency, defensive structure, and game management.
The effort wasn’t the problem. The execution — once again — was.
📊 Red Wings 3, Lightning 6 — Stat Capsule
🟥 Detroit Red Wings (13–11–1)
- 🎯 Dylan Larkin: 1 goal, 5 SOG
- 🔄 Michael Rasmussen: 1 goal in return from IR
- 🎯 J.T. Compher: 1 goal, 1 assist
- 🧱 Blocked Shots: 12
- 🧤 John Gibson: 22 saves on 28 shots
⚡ Tampa Bay Lightning (7th straight win)
- 🧤 Andrei Vasilevskiy: 33 saves on 36 shots
- 🎯 Darren Raddysh: 1 goal, 1 assist
- 🔥 Second-period surge: 3 goals in opening minutes
- 💡 Power Play: 1-for-1
- 🚫 PK: Shut down Detroit’s PP
A Promising Start That Quickly Slipped Away
The night actually started the way you’d script it. J.T. Compher buried his fourth of the season to open the scoring, continuing what’s been a strong personal stretch — two straight multi-point games and noticeable chemistry in the middle six.
But the Lightning, winners of six straight coming in, responded like a team that knows exactly who it is. A power-play strike from Darren Raddysh tied things up, and the early second period is where things unraveled. Two quick Tampa goals off defensive lapses flipped control of the game and left Detroit chasing — again.
To their credit, the Wings punched back. Michael Rasmussen, activated from IR, made an immediate impact, tapping in a rebound for his first goal since returning. Later, Dylan Larkin ripped home his team-leading 14th of the season to cut the deficit to one, but every Detroit push was met with an answer. Andrei Vasilevskiy stood tall with 33 saves, while John Gibson made 22 at the other end.
Detroit generated chances. They created pressure. But the mistakes outweighed the moments.
Larkin Sounds the Alarm
If anyone was searching for a quote to summarize the mood, Larkin delivered one.
“Even when we were winning games, we were down a goal or two early,” he said post-game. “Right now, we’re just a little fragile and mistakes are compounding. There’s a blueprint in how we play well, and you saw parts of it tonight — but against a team like that, you have to be ready all 60 minutes.”
That’s the heart of the problem. The Wings know what winning looks like — but can’t replicate it shift-to-shift.
Roster Shuffling Signals a Search for Answers
There was plenty of movement ahead of puck drop. Rasmussen returned. Simon Edvinsson came back after a three-game illness absence, skating alongside Moritz Seider. The forward lines were shuffled — James van Riemsdyk promoted, Patrick Kane bumped down. Jacob Bernard-Docker and Axel Sandin-Pellikka re-entered the lineup.
Corresponding move? Erik Gustafsson was assigned to Grand Rapids.
This is a coaching staff trying to find combinations that stick — and fast.
Off-Ice Noise: Olympics & Trade Talk
The Olympics buzz continues to swirl, projecting Larkin as a strong candidate for Team USA in 2026. Conversely, early chatter suggests Kane and DeBrincat may be on the outside looking in — a notable shift.
Meanwhile, Michael Rasmussen’s return has coincided with trade whispers, with the Flyers reportedly interested in adding size. Worth monitoring.
Looking Ahead: A Brutal Trip to Boston
No time to breathe. The Wings hit the road Saturday, November 29, for a showdown with the Boston Bruins — an Original Six tilt and a major test for a group searching for belief.
Boston doesn’t give you room for mistakes, while Detroit has been making a lot of them. After winning 8 of 9 games, the Bruins have lost 4 of 6, so they haven’t been playing their best hockey lately.
Coach Todd McLellan has been searching for answers, and it’s difficult to find them when you’re on the road, especially in not-so-friendly places like Boston. Let’s hope he can ignite a spark in this team before things snowball out of control.
Are you starting to get the feeling that this team is going to be up and down all season? What will it take for them to get on a hot streak? Drop a comment below, or Join the conversation in the Red Wings Wheelhouse — where fans break down every game, every angle.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
