Red Wings state the obvious after deflating loss to Predators

The Detroit Red Wings did just about everything right last night against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. They outshot the host Predators by a nearly two to one margin while getting several good looks on goaltender Juuse Saros, while Ville Husso turned in another strong performance of his own.

The unfortunate news was that two pucks made their way past Husso, while only one got by Saros by the time it was all said and done. Despite holding Nashville to only 16 shots, the Predators would earn a valuable 2-1 victory, keeping their postseason hopes alive while dealing a serious blow to Detroit's already dwindling hopes. 

And they knew it was a game that they had to have.

"This is a game we had to win," said forward Andrew Copp afterward. "That is not the NHL; that's not fun. We have to find a way to make these meaningful towards the end."

With the loss, Detroit's winless skid on the road has hit six straight games, certainly a frustrating reality. But it's truly not over until it's over in their mind. 

"Any loss is frustrating, especially one at this time of year," defenseman Ben Chiarot said. "We know if we can string a couple games together here, we're right there (in the standings). That's our focus for the next few weeks."

"They've shown that with their compete (level) and their play," explained head coach Derek Lalonde. "Now, if that tails off, then we have a different story and maybe a different approach. But, there has been very little tail-off from our group. It's been good, really good.

"I'm just happy we are playing the right way. That stretch around the (trade) deadline where we didn't play well, we probably felt sorry for ourselves a little bit. But, we've got our group now, and we've got guys slotted correctly; we have some rhythm with our group.

"I just want (us) to play — and the right way — and for the most part, over these last four games, we have. It's a little frustrating (Tuesday) we I felt we deserved a better outcome, at least a point out of this game."

The Red Wings will get back at it on Saturday afternoon when they host the defending Cup champion Colorado Avalanche at Little Caesars Arena.