Worst Detroit Red Wings moments of 2024

As the Detroit Red Wings prepare to ring in the New Year and leave 2024 in the past, we counted down the Top 3 moments in the year that was.

However, now comes the unpleasant task of having to look back upon some moments from the year that was that fans would love to forget.

The Red Wings entered the month of March in prime position to end their postseason drought, having gained a 9-point lead from the cutoff point in the standings. Things appeared to be going to plan.

But suddenly, those plans went awry. A 7-game losing streak that also coincided with the loss of captain Dylan Larkin completely erased Detroit's advantage in the standings and sent them into a tailspin that they struggled to recover from.

Among Detroit's losses included a pair of regulation losses to the basement-dwelling Arizona Coyotes, perhaps the most frustrating setbacks the Red Wings experienced after they appeared completely lethargic and unprepared to play in what should have been four easy points in the standings.

Unfortunately, plenty of the problems that plagued the Red Wings last year resurfaced into the new season, and perhaps no pair of losses were more frustrating in November of this year than their setbacks against the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks.

Against the Ducks, the Red Wings blew a two-goal lead and allowed the Ducks to score a season-high six goals, including four in the 3rd period.

Not only did the Red Wings get outshot and outplayed against both teams who are expected to have realistic shots of once again landing a top pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, but they also once again blew a prime chance to pick up badly-needed points in the standings.

Their lackluster play and poor defensive showings were part of the reason why GM Steve Yzerman parted ways with coach Derek Lalonde last week.

All of the feelings of jubilation after Detroit's dramatic 5-4 victories over the Canadiens on back-to-back nights were erased with the news of the Washington Capitals defeating the Philadelphia Flyers on the same night as Detroit's final game of their schedule.

Detroit's victory proved to be meaningless, as Washington's win gave them the tie-breaker necessary to earn the final Wild Card postseason spot.