Defensive lapses, a passive penalty kill picked apart, a lack of attacking thrust from the top gunners, and other observations from a painful Thursday night Red Wings defeat

Detroit — The Red Wings expected these first nine days of the season to be difficult and it's proving to be correct. The New York Rangers completed a back-to-back sweep Thursday, defeating the beleaguered Wings, 5-2.

Cam Talbot gave up five goals in just over 32 minutes, but his Detroit Red Wings teammates gave him little help, especially on special teams.