LeftWinger

As we pass the 20 game mark, basically 1/4 of the way into the season, we are seeing a Detroit Red Wings team that, in recent years, we aren't quite used to seeing. Sitting on top of the Atlantic with 25 points, a reminfer, at this point last season, they had 18 points, which would put them right at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and also, not to mention, the Eastern Conference. It would also put them 30th in the entire NHL. While I still believe they could be doing better, it is refreshing to see a competitive team on most nights now, instead of just here and there. To compare to that of the team which Yzerman inherited, the whole of 2019-2020 they had a total of 39 points for the entire , a mere14 points, 7 wins, shy of where they sit today, and its only November. As you watch thi team, and look at the current stats below, what stands out as having room for imporvement and unexpected success? The one glaring thing that I believe NEEDS to be addressed, is the Goalie's Save Percentages. Sub .900 is too low IMO, and Gibson's .875 is really low. Thier PP is 21.74% and the PK is 80.36%, both of which are above league average, it it crosses that magic number of 100% combined that Scotty Bowman always preached. I'd still like to try and see and trade to possibly improve this team, I'd love to lose Rasmussen and Berggren, possibly Soberblom. I wouldn't mind seeing Robertson from Toronto come in, maybe a Mason Marchment, or even seeing Steven Stamkos on the 3rd line (with salary retained of course) to help generate more goals. I do believe he would have more success here than he is currently having in Nashville. TVR out of Washington would be a better player, IMO, than both JBD or Hamonic, even though early on I had high hopes for JBD to be a UFA steal. He isn't horrible, but if they could upgrade RD3 with someone like TVR, that would be a nice situatiation. With the way Nashville is stinking up the ice, Detroit could probabtly nab Stamkos for CHEAP plus have Nashville retain $2M-$3M.

what a fart to end the road trip.... how do you not get even 1 goal? They looked out of interest all game.

The team's offensive prowess is spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat. Young star Lucas Raymond has also emerged as a vital contributor, demonstrating the potential for significant growth in the coming games. In the crease, Goalie John Gibson has had a less-than-stellar start to the season, sporting an average goals-against average of 3.32 alongside a save percentage of .875. Strengths abound for the Red Wings, boasting a well-balanced attack that positions them among the elite teams in the league. However, looming weaknesses in goaltending raise concerns, as the team must address these critical issues if they aspire to maintain their hot start in the increasingly competitive landscape of the NHL. The intense showdown between the fierce competitors, the Red Wings and the Vegas Golden Knights, is set to unfold tonight, marking the dramatic conclusion of their Western road trip. As the Detroit squad strides onto the ice with a commendable 9-4 record, they face the looming shadow of recent difficulties while traveling. Star players Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat will take center stage in this epic battle, though the goaltending for both sides has proven to be a source of uncertainty. The Golden Knights, despite their inconsistent streaks, remain a powerhouse team capable of going toe-to-toe with Detroit. Get ready for an electrifying encounter that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats!

Geezus, this place really is a ghost town.... I wouldn't be surprised if it gets shutdown one day...enjoy the game.

The Detroit Red Wings (8-4) are set to engage in the fourth act of a thrilling five-game road trip tonight, facing off against the San Jose Sharks (4-6-2). With a record of 2-1 on this journey, the Red Wings have shown resilience. The dynamic Alex DeBrincat has ignited the ice with a goal in each of his previous four games. Meanwhile, Jonatan Berggren's performance took a hit as he ended up at minus-3 during the 5-2 setback against the Anaheim Ducks. Marco Kasper slow start was underplayed for a while because Emmitt Finnie started hot. However, as Finnie's form dips, the Red Wings are optimistic that Kasper will rediscover the prowess he displayed in the latter half of last season. Patrick Kane remains sidelined, having missed the last seven games due to an undisclosed upper body injury. The Red Wings emerge from a controversial defeat against the Ducks last Friday and now turn their focus to completing the third leg of their California expedition against a youthful and spirited Sharks squad led by emerging star Macklin Celebrini. As Detroit gears up for Sunday’s clash, they aim to build on a momentum shift marked by three victories in their last four encounters. Meanwhile, San Jose enters the match riding a confidence-boosting two-game winning streak. Celebrini has been a driving force behind the Sharks’ offense, tallying seven goals and 11 assists, amassing a total of 18 points over 12 games, putting him among the league's elite scorers alongside the likes of Mark Scheifele, Nathan MacKinnon, and Jack Eichel. The Red Wings plan to counter with their own offensive powerhouse, DeBrincat, who is on fire after an initial slow start, entering the game with a four-game goal streak and accumulating seven points in that timeframe. This season, the Sharks aim to elevate their status following a previous campaign filled with excitement, even in the face of a challenging record. They have bolstered their roster with promising additions, including former 54-point player Philipp Kurashev from the Chicago Blackhawks and 2025 second overall pick Michael Misa, alongside veteran defenders John Klingberg and Dmitry Orlov. The Sharks, armed with a 4-6-2 record, showcase a revamped lineup striving to rise from the depths of last place. Meanwhile, the Red Wings are intent on overcoming their near-decade long playoff drought; their current 8-4-0 record places them not only in playoff contention but also in second place within the Atlantic Division. Recent rookie additions, including Emmitt Finnie and Axel Sandin-Pellikka, combined with the free-agent signings of Mason Appleton and James van Riemsdyk, have transformed the identity of the Red Wings. Team leaders Dylan Larkin and DeBrincat appear revitalized, thriving on the energy of the newly constructed roster and executing some of the finest hockey of their careers. Finding steady production from second-line center Marco Kasper remains a priority for Detroit. Following a breakout performance with two goals against the LA Kings in a thrilling 4–3 victory, he has otherwise managed only three goals and no assists, totaling just three points in 12 games this season. This inconsistency is surprising given his substantial ice time alongside elite linemates like DeBrincat and earlier in the season, the experienced winger Patrick Kane. After finishing the last season strongly with 14 points in 18 games, many speculated Kasper was poised for a major breakthrough. The Red Wings are hopeful that his recent two-goal performance will ignite the momentum needed for their upcoming showdown with the Sharks, who have shown signs of progress yet remain tied with the St. Louis Blues for the worst defensive record in the league, conceding an average of 4.17 goals per game to kick off the season. Though the Red Wings have not confirmed their starting goaltender, Cam Talbot is widely expected to take the net. Currently, Detroit's goaltending ranks 26th in the league with a team save percentage of .886. According to Moneypuck.com, the Red Wings own a 42.6% probability of qualifying for the playoffs. While Patrick Kane is nearing a return, the team remains tight-lipped about the exact timing of his comeback.

But low while he's struggling. They'd retain salary too! Getting him at around $5M wouldn't be too much of a risk. Just don't let him wear the cursed #90.

GEEZ! Raymond and Seider are steals now! I hope Edvinsson doesn't cost this much!

Also, since he didn't seem to be as ready as they thought, they don't burn a year of his contract by sending him down before the threshold.

Tonight Detroit embarks on 5 Game Western road trip, which will take them from St. Louis, through California, and end in Vegas! Emmitt Finnie currently ranks tied for second among NHL rookie scorers with an impressive eight points in nine games. Elmer Soderblom remains a healthy scratch once more. He’s played four games and has yet to score any points, resulting in a minus-3. Alex DeBrincat has amassed 34 shots on goal, which is more than twice as many as everyone on the Detroit roster except for Dylan Larkin and Moritz Seider. Patrick Kane has been sidelined for the last four games due to an undisclosed upper body injury. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard was sent to the Grand Rapids Griffins on Monday. The Red Wings (6-3) boast the NHL’s 10th-best record and are looking to bounce back from an ugly two-game road trip… John Gibson is expected to start in net tonight against the Blues… Todd McLellan stated that he’s leaning toward playing Cam Talbot against Los Angeles while considering bringing back Gibson to face his former team, Anaheim. However, that plan is not set in stone. Injury update: Patrick Kane isn’t with the team right now, but he’s skating and is anticipated to rejoin the team on this trip. After Saturday's HUGE letdown to Detroit and another embarassing loss to Pittsburgh yesterday, giving up 12 goals in two games, The Blues hope the home cooking at Enterprise Center can turn thier fortunes around! NOTE: The projected lineup shows Soderblom, but I do belive they are going with 11 and 7 again. So put Hamonic in on D.

New life under Yzerman!

With MBN being sent down, cue the Stamkos to Detroit talk!

What a come back! Much needed win, and what does overcoming 4-0 do for their confidence? Huge!

I apologize Berggren. He is having a good game (as is everyone) after the T.O.

Wow! Major St. Louis collapse! 5-4 Detroit! Gotta keep it going! DO NOT LET UP!