During the 2024-25 NHL season, the Detroit Red Wings showcased a strong power play, but their penalty killing was a significant weakness that played a major role in their failure to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Early in the season, their penalty kill percentage dropped even below the dismal 68.2% record set by the 1979-80 Los Angeles Kings.
The penalty kill did see some improvement after Todd McClellan became head coach; however, Detroit still ranked last in the league, finishing 32nd out of 32 teams with a penalty kill success rate of just 70.2%. For the Red Wings to make a return to the playoffs, these numbers must improve. With McClellan coaching for a full season, the hope is that Detroit can elevate their penalty killing to at least an average level.
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Fan Take: Improving the penalty kill is crucial for the Red Wings’ comeback hopes—it could turn the tide for a team eager to re-establish itself in the playoffs. Hockey fans should pay attention because a more competitive Detroit could bring added excitement and intensity to the league.
