The Detroit Red Wings (7-7-3) start a four-game road trip tonight against Colorado Avalanche and it feels these games represent a pivotal stretch for team.

“We can’t shoot ourselves in the foot in these games if we put ourselves in a good position to win,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said. “We’ve got to find ways to close it out, which we’ve done in Florida, done in Edmonton against some really good teams.”

But the truth is every game is critical for the Red Wings as they continue to establish a new identity without Dylan Larkin, with younger player taking on key roles, with uncertainty surrounding Simon Edvinsson and with Shawn Horcoff in command as interim general manager.

The Red Wings have been competitive in the early going, but with three losses in the last four games, they don’t want any of last season’s bad habits creeping into their game. If they can get through these net four games with modest success, they will be in a position to take advantage of a more favorable schedule. They will only play five more road games among the next 16 games before Christmas.

The goal is to enter that stretch feeling good about how they are playing.

“We have to get off to good starts,” McLellan said. “We need some production again from key people. When they get their looks and touches they are going to have to produce. Our penalty kill has been improving. It’s going to have to stay at that level and our power play is going to have to get us something.”

In Case You Missed It

How Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has matured into an important piece of Detroit’s offensive attack.

Emmitt Finnie is the center the Red Wings need him to be.

Should the Red Wings keep Sheldon Dries to keep their penalty killing performing more effectively?

Red Wings Extra

The Grand Rapids Griffins’ current nine-game points streak (8-0-0-1) has included strong performances by Red Wings prospect. Dylan James contributed a goal and an assist, and Carter Bear had two assists, in a 4-2 win against the Milwaukee Admirals.

Goalie Trey Augustine posted 25 saves to improve his record to 4-1-2. Boasting a 2.66 GAA and a .907 save percentage, Augustine is performing like a top prospect is supposed to perfor

Bear has three goals and nine assists for 12 points in his first 11 AHL games. He’s plus-9. Sutter Muzzatti also scored coming off the injured list.

Dominik Shine added another goal and assist to give him 240 career points for Grand Rapids. That moves him past Travis Richards for second place on the team’s all-time points list. Michal Picard tops the list at 380 points.

Hockey Now Digest

Boston: Goalie Michael DiPietro is taking advantage of his limited time to earn his keep. Boston Bruins.

Florida: The Panthers have a new No. 1 line driving the bus. Florida Panthers.

Philadelphia: Matvei Michkov’s ice-time is a story again with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins may already be sellers in the trade market Dan Kingerski has the details. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Report says coach Ryan Warsofsky’s job is safe for now. San Jose Sharks.