Detroit — If this was a measuring stick for the Red Wings, playing two consecutive Stanley Cup-caliber opponents, then they learned something this weekend.
The Wings, though improved, still have a ways to go before competing teams such as the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins.
The Wings hung with Washington until the final minutes but suffered a gut-wrenching loss. Sunday against Boston, the Bruins gradually pulled away and spanked Detroit 5-1.
There was a lesson in these two games, specifically Sunday.
"The Washington game, we're in position to win the hockey game," coach Jeff Blashill said.