Detroit Red Wings Season Preview: 5 Key Players Who Must Step Up

Apr 18, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Boston Bruins in game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. The Red Wings won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

If you are like most Detroit Red Wings fans you are anxious to leave last season behind and drop the puck on another run at the playoffs.

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The Red Wings are expected by some to be contenders in the Eastern Conference but there are a lot of questions surrounding the team’s future.

Whether the Red Wings are contenders or pretenders this season depends largely on some players ability to return to form after injury last season.  Contention also depends on whether some of the Red Wings young guns can continue to shoot straight.

Here are the five players that need to perform in order for the Detroit Red Wings to be serious contenders for Stanley Cup this season.