In a disappointing turn of events, the Detroit Red Wings have hit a rough patch over the past two weeks. The once-promising playoff spot they held all season has slipped through their fingers, with the team losing six of their past seven games. This downward spiral began with Dylan Larkin's scary injury on December 9, followed by an overtime loss to the lowly San Jose Sharks.

Monday's game against the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks was an opportunity for the Red Wings to bounce back, especially with Larkin's return from injury. However, the result was another blow as Detroit found themselves trailing 4-0 early in the game.

Starting goaltender Ville Husso also suffered an injury during the first period, further complicating matters for the Red Wings. With Alex Lyon already out due to injury, the team's goaltending depth is now down to just James Reimer. Despite Husso's recent improvement in form, stopping 88 of 94 shots in his last three appearances, his absence creates a challenge for the team.

Not only are the Red Wings dealing with goaltending issues, but their revitalized offense, which has been scoring the NHL's fifth most goals per game at 3.5, has suddenly struggled. In their past three games, they have only managed to score a combined four goals, three of which came in Monday's game against the Ducks.

The upcoming schedule presents even more challenges for the Red Wings, with games against tough opponents like the Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, Nashville Predators, and Boston Bruins. As of now, all of these teams hold a playoff spot by points percentage.

To make matters worse, Detroit is currently in the midst of a stretch of four games in six nights, intensifying the pressure to turn their season around. Derek Lalonde, a member of the coaching staff, acknowledged the difficulty of this stretch and the missed opportunities to secure points.

Although the Red Wings have shown the ability to go on winning streaks, it is essential for them to find their footing again soon. The team has more offensive firepower than in previous years, but the goaltending situation remains a major concern.

Furthermore, the addition of Patrick Kane to the lineup has brought its own challenges. While Kane has performed better than expected after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery, it appears that the team is still adjusting to playing with him. There have been instances where his teammates seem to defer to him too much, even on power plays.

Despite the recent losing streak, there are positive signs. The return of key centers Larkin and J.T. Compher should provide a significant boost to the team. Additionally, Kane's contributions, including two assists in Monday's game, bode well for the team's chemistry moving forward.

With 51 games left in the season, there is still time for the Red Wings to climb back into a playoff position. However, they must act quickly to reverse their recent struggles and injuries. The coming weeks will be crucial for their playoff aspirations, as they attempt to regain the cushion they once had before the challenging past two weeks took their toll.

In conclusion, the Red Wings find themselves facing an uphill battle after a series of setbacks. They must rally together, overcome their injuries, and rediscover their winning form to keep their playoff hopes alive.