The Red Wings again have started out fast, and are playing very well. They have the best line of forwards in hockey with Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Holmstrom. Zetterberg is breaking out as one of the top 5 forwards in the NHL with a break out season last year and his good start this year as a dominant force. Not to mention they still have the best defenseman in the world with Niklas Lidstrom. Lidstrom will probably have another near perfect season leading defensemen in all categories and win his 33rd Norris trophy.
Besides Zetterberg and Lidstrom, I do not think the Red Wings have anyone that will consistently be the go to guy on the team. Datsyuk has been inconsistent at times, however, as long as him and Zetterberg stay healthy they will feed off each other and be the best line in hockey all year long. The other forwards on the team are unproven or role players. The role players (Maltby, Draper, Drake, Clearly, Franzen) are not supposed to score a lot of goals but contribute as grinders, energy guys, and penalty killers. Timely goals by this group of players is the key for a good team to become a great team. Also, some unproven players up front are Hudler, Filppula, Kopecky. The red wings are expecting big things out of Filppula specifically and he needs to start producing on a regular basis for the Wings to go deep into the playoffs.
The defense is anchored by Lidstrom and a key offseason addition in Brian Rafalski. While the team is definitely going to miss Schneider's shot on the power play, Rafalski can play a puck possession game like the Wings like to do. Lilja, Lebda, and the 45 year old Chelios all fill there roles and create a solid defensive core. Unfortunately, I would have liked to see the addition of a more physical defensemen on the blue line. Lilja is the only defenseman with size that can be an enforcer on the ice, something that the wings desperately need. The sixth spot is still uncertain on the roster due in large part because the often injured Kronwall is not developing to be the offensive defenseman they hoped he would be. I'm not too sure what happened to Kyle Quincey, but he was solid in the playoffs, and Meech has played well also in his limited action.
Goaltending is reliable as long as they can stay healthy. Both Hasek and Osgood are getting late into their careers and have had trouble staying healthy during the past few years. With either goalie healthy the Wings have a shot at the cup because both have already proved capable of taking them to the promised land. Again, hopefully both goalies will be able to stay healthy.
Predictions for the year are that the Wings will win their division and finish 1 or 2 in the Conference. The key to them getting deep in the playoffs will be the play and health of their goalies as mentioned before. Teams are known to ride their goalies on hot streaks which often determines whether a team wins or loses a series. Also, while Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and Holmstrom will be able to get the team into the playoffs and probably into the second round. The role players need to score timely goals like Maltby and McCarty did in 97 and 98. Also the wings will need a productive 2nd scoring line with Filppula, Hudler, and whomever is on their line. Being able to play 4 lines deep in the playoffs is necessary to win. They need these players to produce win the cup. Hopefully Filppula and Hudler will have break out seasons this year and help to spark a Stanley Cup for Hockeytown.
2 comments:
Wings will finish #1 in the conference for sure. I know hockey predictions are bold but the Western Conference is thick with mediocrity across the board so far this season. Ottawa and Detroit are the two teams that have really come out as the true dominating forces. (i know its early and much will change) Hasek NEEDS to stop being an old man. He's been out now for an injury too long given the nature of the injury. If Osgood wasn't the best backup in the league then we might be in trouble but 7 in a row now ain't bad. Filppula and Hudler will both have break out years...Hudler looks like the breakout has already started. Good things going on in Detroit for sure...only now we need to start selling out games. (Embarassing!!!)
I agree with Robby, it's sad that the Joe isn't the rockin place it used to be. Especially since the team is still damn good.
Kyle, nice work on the preview. I like your thoughts for the most part. Hudler has looked good so far. He seems to have a knack for scoring, kind of reminds me of Ray Shephard, he's a finisher. Unfortunately I don't see him creating a lot of opportunities for himself, so he needs Filp. That's asking a lot out of a second year guy. Remember when Datsyuk and Zetts were coming up they were maddeningly inconsistent, and they had veterans like stevie, shanny, and that first season even hull and robitaille to take some pressure off of them. They have some cap room, so I would expect holland to look to upgrade with a top 6 forward through a trade (or maybe forsberg?). I still think they are going to need another offensive weapon to win the cup. And yes goaltending is a major question mark too.
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