The Detroit Red Wings know they can't afford to miss the offensive chances that they get, especially with their top two centers unavailable because of injury.
Following their most recent regulation setback, the shorthanded Detroit Red Wings know they must do a better job of taking advantage of the offensive opportunities they get.
Playing without top centers Dylan Larkin and Andrew Copp, who both suffered lower-body injuries, has dampened their offensive attack, which already ranks near the bottom of the NHL in five-on-five scoring.
While they could get veteran David Perron back at some point next week, they must make do with the players currently available when they face the powerful Dallas Stars on Saturday evening.
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Forward Alex DeBrincat, who leads the Red Wings with 33 goals scored, believes that the club is going to remain confident despite the absence of several players.
"I think we played well enough to win, we've got to bury on our chances," DeBrincat said afterward.
"I think we're confident in what we do," he continued. "These are two tough matchups, and we kind of gave away the Florida game at the end of the game. But, two good teams and another one on Saturday. So, we've got to come ready to play right from puck drop, and hopefully get some two points."
Right now, the Red Wings occupy the first Wild Card Spot in the Eastern Conference, with the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets hot on their trail.
They know they can't afford to give away points as they did against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday evening, and it begins with bearing down and not letting chances slip away.
"We just have to get guys to the net, bear down in front and put some in the net," DeBrincat said. "Obviously, they have a world-class goalie over there, but we've got to find a way to put it in."
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