The Detroit Red Wings face the Washington Capitals with both teams heading in opposite directions. The Red Wings have a 13-11-6 record and with a five-game losing streak have fallen to the bottom of the Atlantic Division. The Capitals have a 16-13-4 record and with seven wins in their last 10 games, are only a few points out of playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Both teams are looking to improve in the Eastern Conference and the upcoming game looks to be a good one as a result.
The Red Wings' season has unraveled with their offense letting them down, scoring only 2.90 goals per game with only seven goals in the last five games. Dylan Larkin, Dominik Kubalik, and David Perron have scored 29 goals and 46 assists while defenseman Filip Hronek has added seven goals and 18 assists from the point but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only five skaters have six goals or more while only seven skaters have nine assists or more and opposing defenses can limit the top-heavy offense as a result.
The offense has let the Red Wings down but the defense has also struggled, allowing 3.17 goals per game. Filip Hronek and Olli Maatta have combined for 4.3 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. the bright spot has been the play of goaltender Ville Husso has struggled in the net with a .913 sav e percentage and a 2.61 goals-against average on 623 shots.