J.T. Brown, Tomas Tatar

The Red Wings' Tomas Tatar managed only five shots on goal in five playoff games.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT - Tomas Tatar was one of the players the Detroit Red Wings were counting on to take some of the pressure off the club's aging stars by producing more.

Instead, he was one of several who regressed.

"I know I could be way better," Tatar said. "I'm disappointed I couldn't help more; my expectations were a little different than how the season went.

"My goals were way higher than they end up, but it was different stuff this year than it was last year. It was different position for me, so I guess what the numbers are saying is the way it is now."

Tatar has 21 goals - eight fewer than his team-leading total of 2014-15. His point total dipped from 56 to 45. He also logged less ice time, averaging 14:21, down from 16:13 the previous season.

Tatar attributed some of his struggles to being moved around various lines.

"I think the position was way different this year than last year, after last season playing most of the time with Pav (Datsyuk) and Helmer (Darren Helm)," Tatar said. "This time I was kind of around the lines. With different position comes different responsibility. Wherever I played I tried to play best, bring the energy as much as I could.

"It was a little tougher to get comfortable, I was squeezing the stick almost all season. The goals I set were hard to end up (with), so it was kind of disappointing for me."

Coach Jeff Blashill said before the season that the team needed Tatar and Gustav Nyquist to be "go-to guys." Nyquist struggled more than Tatar, putting up only 17 goals and 38 points.

"I don't mind being in that position. I felt year before I was there," Tatar said. "We can't leave everything on Pav and Hank (Zetterberg), those guys need help. I think last season me and Nyquie stepped up and helped them."

The team needs changes. General manager Ken Holland said he'll be more aggressive in pursuing trades. Tatar realizes he is potential trading chip.

"I'm definitely not worried, it's part of being a hockey player," Tatar said. "This team will probably need some changes. I don't know who's going to be affected by that. Obviously, you love the organization, love the people around it. It would be tough to change the jersey but it's part of the job. Maybe some team will need you more than this team."

Tatar injured his rotator cuff in the regular season. It affected him in the playoffs, when he totaled only five shots in five games and didn't score a goal.

He was hoping to play for Slovakia in the World Championship but wasn't sure earlier this week if he would receive medical clearance.

"We were up and down all year and it was just a tough season," Tatar said. "I think lots of guys are not happy. I'm not happy how things end up for us. We definitely want to be better."

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