Red Wings Recap – Western trip and Trade Rumors
By Joe Chapp
The Detroit Red Wings trip started in the Windy City and ended in Nashville, this trip would be the test for a team that needed to be tested. Never the less, the Wings played outstanding on their West Coast trip going a total 4-1-1 and earning 9 out of 12 possible points.
The Wings outscored their opponents 20-18 at times this road trip felt like the playoffs, Detroit stood tall to the Western Conference play as teams tried to play physical with the Wings. It didn’t faze the Wings.
So what can we take out of this road trip?
Detroit ranks 2nd in Goals for in the entire NHL.
We thought maybe this team didn’t have enough fire power, but we were wrong. The Wings have hit some cold spells, but are doing a great job of putting the puck in the net.
It’s been amazing to see this team develop throughout last part of last year into this year. ‘
WE NEED DEFENSE !
While most are of the belief that the Wings need to trade for a right-handed shot on the blue line, I don’t agree. Alexey Marchenko is the right-handed shot the Wings needed, he’s young no doubt after scoring his first NHL goal against Nashville. I think you’re going to see him be more confident in his shot.
The defense is there, regardless of what people may say the Wings defense is a top 10 defense in the NHL. You heard correctly top 10, at least statistically.
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The Red Wings rank 7th best in goals against per game in the NHL.
Detroit Special Teams, Stellar:
Detroit’s main problem last year was the fact that their Power Play was so bad, it ranked 18th in the NHL. Detroit needed to get the power play going in 2014 no doubt, but I speak for myself when I say I didn’t think they’d be 1st in the NHL? That’s more of an eye opener than Detroit’s top ranked defense.
Penalty kill is a huge part of the game of hockey often it separates contenders from pretenders, last years Stanley Cup Champs ranked 11th in Penalty Kill, only one spot ahead of the Wings.
Never the less, Special teams for the Wings has been outstanding.
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Trade Rumors:
Players have been listed as suitors for Detroit, names like Patrick Sharp, Dion Phaneuf, Jeff Petry and Mike Green have been listed however at this point don’t buy any trade rumor right now. Not many have legs and it’s believed the Wings will stand pat at the deadline.
News And Notes:
Red Wings D Alexey Marchenko scored his first NHL goal.
Darren Helm left the game Saturday, Babcock said he will be evaluated back home tomorrow. Ken Holland says it’s not a head injury.
Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg should play against New York per reports.