Just as the Detroit Red Wings at least could take some encouragement from the way they were playing — albeit without the results they wanted — they regressed spectacularly.
Their Friday match at Little Caesars Arena against the Florida Panthers was a low point in a challenging season. They were routed by the Panthers in the first period en route to a 7-2 loss, dropping to 4-12-3.
The seven goals matches the season high allowed Jan. 28 at Dallas.
The good work that had marked the Wings’ performances since a Feb. 3 blowout loss to the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning was absent.