NHL Power Rankings: Red Wings trending downward as playoff races take shape

Detroit is headed in the wrong direction as we approach the halfway point

By Austin Nivison Jan 3, 2024 at 11:21 am ET• 1 min read

The New Year has arrived, and the NHL season is really starting to pick up steam as the playoff races intensify. One team just trying to remain in that playoff picture is the Detroit Red Wings, who have had trouble keeping their head above water lately.

Since Patrick Kane made his debut on Dec. 7, the Red Wings have gone 4-9-1, which ranks 29th in that span. Those issues are not Kane's fault, but Detroit has still been unable to generate scoring chances at five-on-five, even with him in the lineup. The team ranks 30th in xGF/60 over that span at 2.22.

Despite those lack of chances, the Wings have managed to be opportunistic offensively, so they've given themselves a chance. Where things have really faltered has been in net, where they've posted the worst five-on-five save percentage (87.7%) since Dec. 7. Goaltending has been an issue for Detroit for most of the season, but it is actively harming them now.

Earlier this season, the Red Wings appeared to be a team poised to make some noise in the Atlantic Division, but that has changed quickly. Due to underwhelming play at five-on-five, and lackluster goaltending, Detroit is falling rapidly in the Eastern Conference standings.

With the Red Wings headed in the wrong direction, here are the updated NHL Power Rankings.