The Detroit Red Wings lost 4–3 to the New Jersey Devils, but unlike so many of their blowout losses this season, this one showed real fight. Detroit heavily out-chanced the Devils at 5-on-5, dominated long stretches of play, and nearly tied the game with a frantic two-minute barrage in the final moments. This was one of those rare “good” losses — not something we celebrate often on Red Wings Rant — but the effort in periods two and three showed what this team can be when they lock in.

Still, the problems are real. Early defensive mistakes continue to sink the Wings, with breakdowns in coverage, failed clears, and brutal giveaways repeatedly ending up in the back of the net. With Simon Edvinsson out, Detroit is forced to lean more heavily on a third pair that simply cannot keep up. And the analytics tell an even clearer story: the Wings have the 5th worst High-Danger Goals For%, league-worst Medium-Danger Goals For%, 3rd worst shooting percentage, 5th worst save percentage, and 2nd worst PDO at 5-on-5. Even at all strengths, Detroit is top-5 in expected goals but bottom-10 in both shooting and save percentage. A good team keeps beating itself.

We also break down strong performances from Larkin, Raymond, Finnie, and Seider, the physical pushback the Wings showed late in the game, the awful non-call on Jonas Siegenthaler’s hit to Lucas Raymond’s head, and why this loss — strangely — gives us more confidence in Detroit’s long-term trajectory. Plus: Emmitt Finnie makes honorable mention in The Athletic’s Calder Trophy race.

 Red Wings Rant: Where tirades and impassioned pleas about your Detroit Red Wings finally have a home. 

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