Ahead of the Red Wings' game against the Capitals, here's a look at the playoff style of hockey that Detroit coach Derek Lalonde wants to emphasize and how that impacts the lineup
When playoff hopes hinge on wins and losses, it’s hard for a team to praise its process over standings points. Even though the Red Wings find themselves in that spot after Saturday’s loss to Nashville, they’re nonetheless looking to replicate the form that had them one goal away from a road victory.
“We’ll take that game every single time,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said. “Just gave them a handful of chances. Obviously you limit that team to one goal against. We didn’t turn the puck over. It was one of our better game management games. We didn’t give up any odd man (rushes) — we gave up one where they came out of the box, it was a little bit dangerous 2-on-1, that was it. I think that’s playoff-type hockey. It’s tight hockey. I just liked our approach.”
Playoff hockey. Tight hockey. Overall, the type of hockey the Red Wings need to play at this point in the season. They’ll have to replicate some of that success if they want to win Tuesday against a Washington team that is surging as of late.
Thanks to hot goaltending and a potent power play, the Capitals have surged into the second wild card spot, one point ahead of Detroit with one game at hand. While their roster isn’t as talented as it has been — even before it sold players at the deadline — they have nonetheless found enough to win in recent weeks. And if the Red Wings don’t play the kind of polished game they turned in Saturday, Washington can take advantage.
This game carries significant weight in the playoff race for its net impact on the playoff rankings. If Detroit loses, Washington could mount a three-point lead with a game at hand. If the Red Wings win, they’ll have a one-point lead for the second wild card. Such a four-point swing can significantly change the workload required to make the playoffs. Detroit played a game like this earlier against the Capitals and won back on Feb. 27 before a seven-game losing streak sunk the impact of that success. The Red Wings also beat the New York Islanders on Thursday with similar implications. They did so largely by limiting mistakes and checking.
“There’s a lot of good things that can translate from that (Nashville) game — not only that game, probably the last eight periods,” Lalonde said. “Take the second period from the Columbus game on, we’ve taken four of six points within that time. And it’s process. If we continue to do things like that, I think we’ll have some success.”
The Lineup
After a 31-save performance in Saturday’s 1-0 loss saw goaltender Alex Lyon round back into his usual starting form, Lalonde is going with him once more against the Capitals. The decision comes after a long period of rest gave Lyon time to recover after getting shelled in eight starts and seven straight losses. Even if Saturday was a loss, the success of Detroit’s goaltending in that game is crucial down the stretch considering how important Lyon’s play has been to this team’s success.
At forward, it seems the same lines as last game will roll out. Daniel Sprong is a healthy scratch, while Jonatan Berggren was sent down to Grand Rapids yesterday. The type of hockey that Detroit delivered these past couple games has impressed Lalonde, and he doesn’t want to tinker with something that isn’t broken.
For the defense, though, Lalonde might have to. After Jeff Petry didn’t practice Monday, Lalonde said it was because the veteran blueliner caught an illness sweeping the dressing room. Petry has played with rookie Simon Edvinsson since the latter earned a call-up to the NHL. If he’s unavailable, the Red Wings will be forced to jumble the pairings a little.
Detroit could potentially get a boost from Jake Walman, who’s nearing a recovery from his lower body injury. However, Lalonde’s “we’ll see” regarding Walman’s readiness suggests he’ll need more time.
For the Capitals, their forward lines lost some depth with the suspension of Tom Wilson last week. Additionally, Sonny Milano left Sunday’s win against Winnipeg and did not return.
This Washington team might not have much firepower outside of Alex Ovechkin, but its ability to keep pucks out of the net has led to much success. Goaltender Charlie Lindgren has played in 12 of the past 13 games for Washington, allowing two goals or fewer in eight of them.
As Red Wings Heal, Daniel Sprong’s Role Shrinks
It’s rare that a team scratches a 40-point scorer, but that’s exactly what Lalonde has done as of late. In the past two games against New York and Nashville, the offensively talented Daniel Sprong hasn’t gotten into the lineup.
For the same reason Detroit sent down Jonatan Berggren — and the same reason Lalonde wants to replicate tight-checking hockey in the Red Wings’ remaining games — Sprong is sitting out in favor of more risk-averse options. At full forward health and without the need for another scorer, Sprong's services aren't as needed.
“I think it’s our team game,” Lalonde said. We just talked about eight quality periods, so a little rhythm of our lines. I’d probably put Spronger in that same boat too, where obviously both Spronger and Berggren can produce some offense but just the rhythm or lines right now — I just (think) we’ve played some really good team hockey right now. So I think it’s more about what the group’s doing. Let’s keep it together.”
Without Sprong in the lineup, the fourth line doesn’t have the same sort of scoring punch that he provides. The power play also turns to different facilitators, a burden that Dylan Larkin’s return from injury lightens. But, Detroit isn’t trying to outscore its problems as the playoffs near. Rather, it’s trying to outcheck and outdefend its opponents. Sprong might be a reliable scorer, but the Red Wings already have those in the lineup.
Sprong still brings reliable depth, especially if a scorer suffers an injury. However, an inability for Lalonde to play him in a playoff atmosphere begs the question of whether Sprong has a future with Detroit. He’s signed to a $2 million deal that expires this offseason, with back-to-back 40-point seasons to negotiate with. But if Sprong’s game isn’t what the Red Wings want for the postseason, it’s hard to believe they’ll pay him a likely raise to stick around.
At a moment’s notice, that could all change. Until then, Sprong’s on the outside looking in.
Where to Watch
Tonight’s game starts at 7 p.m. and can be viewed on Bally Sports Detroit. It can also be streamed at ESPN+ and Hulu.