The Detroit Red Wings allowed 10 goals in their first two games of the season, both losses. They've allowed eight in six games since - all wins.

The streak continued Thursday in St. Louis, a 2-1 win over the Blues in a shootout. And goaltenders Petr Mrazek and Jimmy Howard shouldn't be paying for any meals at team dinners.

No puck

Detroit's been outshot in four of six games on their current run, and six of eight games overall, including by 16 in game two and 15 in game four. The Red Wings aren't a positive possession team - their 44.71 percent rate is second last in the league - and likely won't be this season.

In other words, goaltending will continue to determine Detroit's fate.

Mrazek has a .925 save percentage in six games, while Howard's at an unsustainable .984 in two games. The Red Wings' .923 save percentage as a team ranks third in the NHL.

Middle of the pack

Last season, Detroit finished 15th in the league with a .910 save percentage. Not bad, but not elite. It was good enough to get the club in the playoffs, and continue the club's streak, but barely. The Red Wings' post-All-Star break .898 save percentage was fourth-worst in the NHL.

Mrazek and Howard need to sustain their play all season for Detroit to make some noise, but that's not exactly a recipe for success. Eventually, the goalies are going to need some help.

Eventually, that ghastly possession number has to go up. Otherwise the Red Wings will be going down.

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