from Nicholas J. Cotsonika of the NHL's website,
The Detroit Red Wings have been working on their "DNA," according to coach Derek Lalonde.
Well, then consider this a DNA test: The Winnipeg Jets are coming into Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday for a game that will be nationally televised in Canada (7:30 p.m. ET; FDSNDET, SN1).
The Red Wings wanted to improve defensively after finishing 24th in goals-against per game last season (3.33) and missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the eighth straight season, the longest stretch in team history. They're 13th in goals-against per game (3.11) this season and off to a 4-4-1 start.
The Jets are second in goals per game (4.44) and boast the best record in the League at 8-1-0.
"Obviously, it will be a good challenge," defenseman Moritz Seider said.
The Red Wings are allowing 34.9 shots per game, second most in the NHL. In some ways, though, it might be a byproduct of their new approach.
Focused on playing tighter, the Red Wings have been more conservative, collapsing in front and keeping shots to the outside. Lalonde said based on their internal metrics they were 16th in fewest slot shots against, 10th in fewest low net front slot shots against and first in fewest dangerous rushes against.
Detroit is tied for sixth in 5-on-5 goals against (15) and fourth in 5-on-5 save percentage (93.8 percent).
"The other teams have a lot of shots, but I think some of the shots were from the outside, and that's all right," Seider said. "Obviously, skill guys, top guys [in the NHL], they will have extended [offensive zone] time, and they will have their shifts in the [offensive] zone. But if we can keep them to the outside and have them really work to get to the inside, into the slot, I think we'll be fine, and then we can attack out of that.