Detroit Red Wings 1st Round Player Power Rankings: Top 5
By Tony Fischer
May 12, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55), center Valtteri Filppula (51) and center Henrik Zetterberg (40) meet at center ice before a face off against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Red Wings game 7 win in Anaheim has huge implications and not only because they got to advance to the next round in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Wings veteran players finally shook off the scoring cobwebs and started putting the biscuit in the basket. An increased scoring presence from the winged wheeler’s playoff tested veterans should present a major problem for the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Semi-finals.
With all the up and downs of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs lets look at which Wings are hot; power rankings style.
- Henrik Zetterberg – Detroit Red Wings fans were wondering when the captain might break his playoff scoring drought. Well that happned twice in game 6 as the Wings first line accounted for all the points in the Red Wings 4-3 overtime win. “Captain Z” continued his scoring trend with a goal in Game 7. The Wings will need him to continue if they have hope of beating the Chicago Blackhawks.
- Pavel Datsyuk – His shorthanded talley propels Pavel to number two in the power rankings. He also had a goal in Game 6 to help the Wings force a game 7.
- Nicolas Kronwall – Didn’t contribute much in the way of goal scoring but kept “Kronwalling” Ducks providing the physical presence the Wings needed in a absence of Justin Abdelkader.
- Justin Abdelkader – After being wrongfully suspended for two games Abdelkader contributed two goals after returning to the ice. Both talleys came during crunch time and his contribution added fuel to the Red Wings playoff fire.
- Gustav Nyquist – Mr. Overtime had two playoff points but both came in overtime wins for the Wings. Nyquist also has a +1 to show for his time on the ice and skated well for a player making his first playoff appearance.
On the Rise:
Jimmy Howard was rock solid in the final two games despite defensive gaffs made by his teammates. He kept his head and stood on it at times when the Wings needed it most.
Damien Brunner had 5 points during the first round but his mental lapses were one of the reasons the Wings didn’t finish this series in 6.
Todd Bertuzzi didn’t register a point Todd Bertuzzi made his presence felt and played mistake free hockey when his team needed him most.
On To The Next
The Red Wings take on the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Semi-Finals at the United Center starting on Wednesday. The Blackhawks swept the season series en route to first place finish in the NHL’s Central Division. The hawks should be a heavy favorite in the series and the Wings will need great performances from every line to pull off another upset.
Its your turn! Which player deserves the top spot in the power rankings? Is you choice not on the list? Leave a comment and tell us who we should have included.