The Detroit Red Wings finish their five-game road trip sitting second in the Atlantic Division — and the analytics show exactly why. Detroit currently sits around 51.5% in expected goals for percentage (xGF%) at both five-on-five and all strengths, signaling a team that’s genuinely driving play and out-chancing opponents most nights.

But dig deeper, and the cracks appear:
Detroit’s high-danger scoring chance percentage dips below 50%, and their high-danger shooting percentage ranks in the league’s bottom third. Meanwhile, they’re above 50% in both medium- and low-danger shot possession, meaning they’re getting volume — just not finishing quality looks.

It’s a sign of a team that needs its high-end creators — Patrick Kane and Lucas Raymond — back to convert those elite chances. Even so, this year’s 51.5% expected goals share marks a major leap forward for Detroit and helps explain why they’re staying near the top of the standings despite average PDO and inconsistent goaltending.

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