NHL scores 2017: Goals the problem again for the Red Wings in their fifth straight loss

The Detroit Red Wings are being left in the dust in the Eastern Conference. As teams like the Maple Leafs, the Islanders, and the Panthers have elevated their play, the Red Wings have fallen behind.

Take Wednesday’s uninspired 2-0 shutout loss to the Blues — who, by the way, have won six of their last seven games since firing Ken Hitchcock — for example. St. Louis held Detroit to four shots in the second period, and just 15 total after the first two frames. The Red Wings lost the possession game, and by the time they caught up with the Blues it was too little too late.

It’s not the effort Red Wings’ fans want to see from their team as their 25-season playoff streak is in jeopardy.

But, an end to the streak could do Detroit some good. This year, the Red Wings have just 135 goals in 57 games, sixth worst in the NHL. That’s an average of 2.37 goals per game, which is hard to win with no matter what system you employ. Cutting the cord on the season now might be better in the long run too, as the Red Wings could start to unload the unnecessary contracts and work to bring in younger players.

Even still, Detroit’s not completely out of the playoff race just yet. Despite a five-game losing streak, they’re nine points back of a wild card spot. It would take a Herculean effort and a win streak to exceed their cold one, but it’s likely time to accept the inevitable end to that postseason run.

Blue Jackets 5, Maple Leafs 2
Blues 2, Red Wings 0
Flames 3, Flyers 1
Panthers 6, Sharks 5 (OT)

1. Curtis McElhinney had a rough return to Columbus

Just a day after the Maple Leafs bulldozed over the Islanders 7-1, Toronto got knocked around themselves by the Blue Jackets. Backup McElhinney had a bad outing against his former team, and was out-played by backup Joonas Korpisalo no less, as he allowed four goals on 34 shots.

Thankfully, Toronto didn’t blow a lead in this one, as the Blue Jackets jumped out to a 4-0 lead over the first half of the game. The Maple Leafs chipped away at the Columbus lead, but were unable to best Korpisalo no more than twice.

2. The Flyers will never score again

That statement is a lie, as Philadelphia did score one goal in their 3-1 loss to the Flames, but the Flyers too have been lifeless over the last month. Only once in their last 13 games have the Flyers scored more than three goals in a game, and that third goal came on an empty netter in their 3-1 win against the Canadiens at the beginning of February.

It wasn’t for a lack of trying either for Philadelphia, as they outshot the Flames 34-23. It’s unclear what is snake-biting the entire Flyers offense too, as they have the sixth worst shooting percentage in the NHL at an 8.1.

The Flames, however, did jump into a playoff spot with the win, pushing the idle Kings out of the way for the last wild card spot.

3. Brent Burns is scoring as well as Sidney Crosby

With two points on Wednesday, Burns has moved into a tie for second in the NHL in points. Yes, Brent Burns is one of your top NHL scorers this year.

Strange as it is, Burns is having himself a career year and it’s getting him recognition for the Hart Trophy. With the numbers he’s put up so far, it’s not hard to see why.

After Joe Pavelski potted a pair of third period goals to send the Sharks to overtime with the Panthers, Jonathan Huberdeau won it for Florida in a short overtime.

Jaromir Jagr hit 1,900 points on his 45th birthday and we are not worthy.