Detroit Red Wings Power Play Holding Them Back

That does not mean that the Red Wings’ penalty kill is without fault. The Red Wings had a subpar game against the Chicago Blackhawks. “A game ago, we got scored on once, and it was a back-check and a sort out,” head coach Todd McLellan said about the goals Detroit surrendered while shorthanded. “That can’t happen. The first goal, we had a clearing opportunity with a two-on-one, and we didn’t get it out.” These errors are correctable, though.

“The third power-play goal, a walkout from below the goal line, we have the tools to take care of that, and we just didn’t get it done,” he continued. “Much like our game right now, where our power play is scrambling, our penalty kill needs a polish up.” Perhaps the game against the Rangers was an aberration. Before this stretch, the penalty kill had improved from the 2024-25 season. During this season, the Red Wings have the worst penalty kill not only in the NHL but also in NHL history.

So, what is the difference between last season and the beginning of this season? Head coach Todd McLellan said he believes it begins between the pipes. The Red Wings acquired goalie John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks for goaltender Petr Mrazek and two draft picks. Gibson is the most talented goaltender the Red Wings have had on their roster since Jimmy Howard won a Stanley Cup in 2008.

Recently, the Red Wings brought up forward Nate Danielson to make his NHL debut against the Chicago Blackhawks. Danielson was drafted by the Red Wings with the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. During his draft year, Danielson scored 33 goals and added 45 assists in 68 games played for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League. McLellan said that Danielson’s call-up would help the organization make other lineup decisions.

“We have been struggling offensively. Nate, had he not been hurt in Training Camp, I think he would have started with our team based on where he was when he did get injured. He worked hard to stay healthy, had an upper-body injury and was able to keep his legs going. That didn’t go away, and he’s had a pretty good start in Grand Rapids. We wanted to see him now so we can make some decisions, perhaps on some other players. For him, for his first game, I thought he did some real good things on the ice.”

Danielson was not the only Red Wing drafted in 2023 on the ice against the Black Hawks. Defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka was drafted by the Red Wings with the 17^th overall pick in the same draft. Sandin-Pellikka has played in 16 games for the Red Wings so far this season. In his NHL debut, Danielson played 15:16. McLellan hinted that if not for a back injury suffered against Black Hawks in the preseason, Danielson may have made the Red Wings’ opening night roster.

Despite the Red Wings’ struggles on special teams, they have started the 2025-26 season well but have fallen all the way to fifth place in their division. This is something that has previously held the team back. McLellan has seen these problems arise and is working to correct them. One part of the Red Wings’ play that may save them is their goaltending.