Follow me on Twitter
Detroit is facing a Panthers team that they finally found a win against after a lengthy losing streak. Wings have been 7-3-0 with a loss against the Isles, While the Panthers last 10 have been 9-1-0 and are on a 3 game win streak. A win would be big, but today could be a rough ride.
At the 60 game mark Detroit with 72 points sits 2 points ahead of TB who has the final wild card spot. Outside the Caps are 7 points back with the Islanders and Devils 8 points back. Florida at 60 is atop the division with 84 and Boston sits tied holding down the number 2 spot. The Leafs are in 3rd with 76.
Detroit’s going to have to play tight defensively and stay away from run and gun outlets that can be intercepted and returned for an odd man rush against. Florida’s holds the advantage and Detroit will not want to play from behind. The cats can lock it down for sure.
The Canucks can breathe a sigh of relief as
Elias Petterson is locked in for 8 years.
Cap Friendly is showing a deal worth 92.8, 11.6m AAV. Details aren’t filled in yet on bonuses and clauses (as of early Saturday morning)
So the dominos are falling and it would be outrageous to think that by Monday a few more players have new homes. Some of you are fairly unhappy with mentions of Chycrun and Gostisbehere rumored to be in play. It would not be much fun to see Ghost leave right now and would definitely impact offense on the last 20 games.
In the minors, the Griffins have put together a 17 game point streak and a couple of you are hoping to see a potential glimpse of Edvinsson if Detroit does get some movement going. Berggren is also floating in the mill and I don’t see anyone excited about that news. No one knows what’s going on except for the parties involved and we’ll have to see where it all ends up. JB is leading the way with 43 points in 41 games. Mazur 27 points in 43 games and tied at 27 is Edvinsson with 27 points in 47 games. I do hope to see a full season of Mazur and Edvinsson next year. Mazur has some snarl and reminds me a little of Tatar with fewer teeth. Willing to go into dirty areas and punch outside his weight class. Edvinsson is a big man. We’ve talked before that he grew 2 inches after the draft. I’ve only seen one “scrum” but he can go at it. His skating is unreal and has a beautiful shot. Defensively he will need a shutdown partner (opinion).
As for former Wings, Mantha hit 19 last night and is in the rumor mill out in D.C. He seems to be finding some chemistry and better positioning net front on the power play. Could be a piece for a contender. I still wonder if Vancouver’s U of M Dman could be someone Detroit is looking at (has told VAN he’s going to hit free agency) to grab a spot with GR as at least one Dman should be on the way up next year.
It’s an early game today (3:00) so plenty of time for adrenaline to wear off (you’ll understand when you get past 40 if that doesn’t click). Hoping to see a Detroit team that breaks out a surprise ‘w’ and gains a tighter grip on the post season chase.
Let me know your thoughts. Again, rumors aside, I’m fine with the team standing pat. If someone is moved out the hope would be that it was a player request or a deal too good to pass up. The team that’s hitting the ice has gotten to this spot, no issue letting them be the ones to either punch the ticket or miss. The chemistry seems to have clicked and we’ve seen some exciting moments. It’s been a good year, the best of the Yzerman era. Would be great to see them finish well.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»