In a tough outing last night, the Red Wings fell to the Ottawa Senators, 3-2, in a game that could have been pivotal for their playoff hopes. This loss drops their playoff odds below 50% for the first time since November, putting them in a precarious position after an earlier defeat by the Boston Bruins. The return of team captain Dylan Larkin was expected to be a game-changer, but it may have inadvertently affected the team's mindset.
Coach Todd McLellan's comments reflect the complexity of Larkin's return: “For as much as he means to the team, and how hard he goes, and us wanting and needing him back, that may have even set us back a little tonight.”
Larkin’s return wasn’t the issue in terms of performance. He found the back of the net on a power play and showed solid form despite coming off an injury.
However, the team’s mentality seemed to shift, perhaps relying too heavily on Larkin to lead the charge. The intensity they displayed in previous games was noticeably absent until the final 15 minutes, by which time Ottawa had taken control, and Linus Ullmark had locked down the net.
Ottawa was dealing with its own challenges, playing the second half of a back-to-back and missing key defensemen like Sanderson and Chabot. Yet, they managed to outlast the Red Wings, who seemed to falter under pressure.
Despite getting one of their top players back, the Red Wings appeared to lean too much on the hope that Larkin's return would solve their issues. This reliance on individual brilliance over team effort is a recurring theme. When players like DeBrincat, Kane, Larkin, or Raymond are on fire, the rest of the team tends to take a step back, expecting them to carry the load.
For the Red Wings to succeed, they need to move beyond this mindset. Relying on a few stars to pull them through isn't sustainable. As they approach the season's end, a collective effort will be crucial to turn their fortunes around and make a serious playoff push.