As a die-hard Red Wings fan and passionate hockey follower, the start of hockey season never fails to induce large amounts of stress and anticipation in me.
Last year, the Detroit Red Wings had what could only be described as a devastating end to the season. Not only did the Red Wings lose the Joe Lewis Arena, they also dealt with the loss of one of their former all-star players, Pavel Datsyuk, along with their impressive 25-year playoff streak. Needless to say, it wasn’t an easy year to be a Red Wings fan.
However, as the 2017-2018 season begins, there’s a lot we can expect from the Wings this season, and failure to deliver does not appear to be in the cards.
On Monday, September 25th, ESPN reported that, “There was a time when unrestricted free agents wanted nothing more than to be a part of one of the NHL’s most storied franchises. Those days are over. Even the most ardent Red Wings fans seem to understand that Detroit is no longer one of players’ top destinations (even with the new Little Caesars Arena).” (ESPN). While Detroit may not be the desired hot-spot it once was, the Red Wings have proven through their pre-season games that they are ready for a year of change, advancement, and victory.
Glancing at their roster for the year, it is clear that the Red Wings have one advantage over other teams that will attribute to their success this season: team dynamic. As a team that is most known for recruiting fresh out of the AHL, this year’s line up isn’t all that different from last years, and that provides familiar line changes and good communication skills amongst teammates, both on and off the ice.
It was no surprise last season that the loss of Datsyuk resulted in less, shall we say, magic on the ice, but the team has done well to prepare for their change in line-ups since in the off season, ensuring that they are ready to deliver this season.
Tomas Tatar proved to be a huge asset to the Wings last season, scoring 46 points and already becoming a leading scorer and teammate for the team in their several pre-season games. Additionally, strong chemistry has been seen between Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha on the ice as some of the younger and fresher Wings on the team. Still, the offensive players for this team are not the only ones to watch.
Assistant captain, Niklas Kronwall has demonstrated a great deal of awareness on the ice so far in his pre-season games and having played with the Wings since the 2006-2007 season, he has the experience- and one Stanley Cup win- this team needs to lead them to further success. And let’s not forget to mention his infamous hits, or as we Red Wings fans refer to the players who get hit by him, getting Kronwalled.
Former Pittsburgh Penguin, Trevor Daley also contributes to part of this defensive line-up as a second-round draft pick and has the playing experience to be a big contributor. Daley has spent most of his professional career as a Star down in Dallas, his most successful season being the 2014-2015 season with 38 points, but gradually working his way back up to the top. Hopefully, Daley’s 2016-2017 Cup win with the Penguins will allow him to bring some fresh perspective to the team.
Lastly, we look to two of the Wings most valuable assets in hopes that they will continue to lead the team to success: Captain Henrik Zetterberg and goalie Jimmy Howard. Not only did Zetterberg lead the Wings last season in total points with a whopping 68, he also led in assists, totaling to 51. While Howard had less ice time last season than many were anticipating, he maintains an impressive .927 save percentage, and has been continuously working himself hard in the off-season to begin this season off strong. Both Pete Mrazek and Jared Coreau stand alongside Howard as goalies for the Wings, Mrazek proving to be a crucial part of the team with 1,317 saves last season and Coreau as a new recruit working to further improve his game.
Although ESPN may be right in their statement that players are no longer begging to come and be a part of the Red Wings franchise, I have a feeling that after this season, that’s all going to change. This team knows what people are saying about them, and they’re ready to prove everyone wrong. With a new stadium, fresh line-up, and promising recruits, the Detroit Red Wings are ready to start anew and remind everyone Detroit is called Hockeytown for a reason, and now it’s time to show the world why.
