Pavel-Datsyuk-shootout-11-16-13

The Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk is 0-for-4 in shootouts this season after being rejected by the Ialanders' Kevin Poulin.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT – After losing some potentially valuable points in shootouts this season, the Detroit Red Wings wrapped up practice Monday by spending a little extra time on breakaways.

The Red Wings have lost their past three games in a shootout and are 0-4 this season. They have lost nine consecutive games that have gone into a shootout dating back to last season.

“We’ve done it every day; we’ve done a shootout for I don’t know how many days,’’ coach Mike Babcock said. “Why? Because the elephant in the room is we haven’t scored in the shootout. I mean, your goalie is standing at the end and … they have to go O-fer. We have to score some goals for the goalie.”

The Red Wings have converted only 1-of-12 shootouts attempts (8.3 percent). That was by Daniel Alfredsson, who is 1-for-2. Pavel Datsyuk (33-for-76, 43.4 percent career) and Todd Bertuzzi (16-for-47, 34 percent career), are both 0-for-4. Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen both are 0-for-1.

Opponents have converted on 5-of-10 shootout attempts against Detroit.

Defenseman Niklas Kronwall senses a lack of confidence in shootouts.

“But I think that’s something that we’re beginning to work on in practice now and I think that helps,’’ Kronwall said. “Believing in yourself and sticking to what you’ve been doing and eventually it’s going to work out and it’s going to be good in the long run.”

Defenseman Brendan Smith would like a chance to take part in a shootout. The only way that will happen, however, is if there is an extended shootout – really extended.

“When I was with Grand Rapids I was one of the top three shooters, so I’ve always been a pretty good shooter,’’ Smith said. “But, obviously, we’ve got way better shooters on our team from world-class players.

“It’s something that we haven’t worked on in the last couple of years because it comes so natural for some of our players. But the game has adapted; goalies are getting better with recognizing players. So just going out there at the end of practice and doing that is good for everybody.”