Detroit — With a defensive corps too frequently challenged to defend and move the puck, and goaltenders playing well but often hard-pressed, the Red Wings circumstances validate the wisdom of some sage advice in hockey: Play in the other guys’ end!
It is an axiom, in part, because of some pure logic. When any team has the puck more in the opponents’ zone, it leads to more shots and goals.
Given their status on the blue line, for the Wings, offensive possession may be even more important.
Playing with the puck takes pressure off defensemen, including the essential defense of their goal and exits from the defensive zone to launch the attack.