Detroit’s win over Boston last night (11/8) brought some much needed positivity for the team. New arrival Robby Fabbri had two power play tallies, both with primary assists from Bertuzzi. Dylan Larkin helped shift an early goal against into positive momentum using his speed and going hard to the net via wrap around (getting a good bounce off of the Bruins defense). Mantha scored an empty net goal and Bernier played very well, even garnering 2 assists. The heavy load was lightened with a huge celebration, and Fabbri was the #1 star in his first Red Wings appearance.
Travel west on I-96 for a few hours and the news was good there as well. Grand Rapids fell behind Toronto in the first, but came back to win 4-1. Filip Zadina scored his 4th goal as a power play tally and added an assist. In fact, the power play clicked 3 times, the 4th goal being an empty net tally. So, between the two clubs, 5 power play goals in one night. Grand Rapids is an AHL leading 29.3% on the power play. The PK isn’t nearly as good as it sits 30th in the league at 73.3%. But, their Scotty Bowman number is 102.6%. The scoring is making up for goals against in the special teams battle. That should excite Wings fans.
Zadina now has 4 goals and 2 assists in 13 games. He is starting to find his spots. Last night was a quick jam play at the net, but he’s also shown off his one timer. Diversity of shots and being in the right spot is critical to his development. Things are heading the right direction. New comer Oliwer Kaski (D) has 2 goals and 2 assists. Moritz Seider has yet to find his first AHL goal, but he has 7 assists in 13 games. That is impressive. At 18 years old he is participating as a defenseman in a difficult league. Yzerman’s first pick as Red Wings GM looks to be a good one.
Ryan Kuffner has 4 goals and 1 assist in 10 games. His collegiate scoring may be translating to the pro level. Leading the team is Chris Terry with 8 goals and 13 assists in 13 games. Matt Puempel has 7 goals and 8 assists. These AHL veterans are leading the way and helping the prospects find their game. You can see the full team stats here Griffins stats
There is an overall organizational boost right now. The young core in Detroit are working hard every night. There’s not a sign of giving up, and with plenty of adversity it is building character. In Grand Rapids, young players are experiencing success. They, too, continue to build rapport and find their place in the system. It is a clean slate and it seems that players recognize the opportunity.
There needs to be defensive improvement in both organizations. The PK numbers need a boost. This isn’t unnoticed and Steve Yzerman is certainly going to be scouting and tweaking. Dylan McIlrath made a good showing against Boston. He was a physical presence on the PK and brings something different to the table. He seems to be open to finding his role and could be an effective own zone Dman. He is one of a few players looking to get their career on track under the new Wings regime. This window is a rare one. When Detroit was a perennial contender, there were few jobs available. Prospects had a much longer road ahead of them. The excitement of this opportunity will reveal the character and intensity of each player. The reward for grinding out and playing good hockey could be an NHL spot, and that is worth fighting for.
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