Johan-Franzen-10-26-13

The Rangers' Brian Boyle strips the puck from Johan Franzen, whose Red Wings have been turnover-prone.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock often assesses a player’s defensive performance by asking “Who has the puck after you?’’

Lately, the answer to that question has been “The opponent.’’

The Red Wings were a minus-9 in turnover differential (10-1) in Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Rangers at Joe Louis Arena.

Poor puck management has been an issue this season, particularly during this four-game winless skid (0-2-2). It’s resulted in less possession time and less offensive-zone time, leading to far more shots (averaging 32.4 per game) and scoring chances than this team typically allows.

“We spend too much time in our own zone; we turn over too many pucks and here they come,’’ Babcock said. “If we play in the offensive zone then they’re not getting any shots.

“When we played San Jose (1-0 shootout loss on Monday) we had commitment to detail. Once again (Saturday) we didn’t have any detail, like we wanted to stick-handle by everybody. Turnovers are absolutely killing us. Until we decide mentally what the right way for this group is to play we’ll have no chance.’’

The Red Wings have the third-most giveaways in the NHL (116). It’s a subjective statistic, but still demonstrates their difficulty.

“A lot of times we had the puck first and we put ourselves in trouble, didn't make the right play, didn't get the pucks deep, didn't get it out of our zone and here they go again,’’ defenseman Niklas Kronwall said. “We were giving them way too much space."

Kronwall said they need to make the simple play.

“We're a little bit too much all over the place,’’ he said. “Sometimes the best play might be off the glass, and right now we're trying to play ourselves out of each and every situation. It's costing us a few goals."

The Red Wings visit Vancouver Wednesday, the start a four-game trip to Western Canada. Babcock called it perfect timing.

“We have to get way better defensively, way better in our zone and way better taking care of the puck,’’ Babcock said. “If you don’t get through the neutral zone, you don’t make them turn around, you don’t spend time in their zone, and then you’re spending time in your zone.

“I don’t care how we get through it. We have to get through it each and every time. But if we’re stubborn and want to turn pucks over you’re going to put a lot of miles on your defense.’’

And make it much more difficult on your goaltender.

“We got to figure out a way to go out there and compete for each other,’’ Jimmy Howard said. “It’s going to be the guys in here that get the job done. I think it’s just believing in each other and not trying to do too much. Let guys do their jobs.’’