The Red Wings are looking to build on their 3-1 win over Edmonton on Tuesday. Three days off seems like an eternity after Detroit ended the 8 game losing streak. When things go well, you want to get the team right back on the ice. I’m sure they are trying to fan the flames of excitement everyone felt Tuesday night.
Adding to the excitement comes the media response to Steve Yzerman’s acquisition of Brendan Perlini. There were a lot of questions regarding the time spent as Dylan Larkin’s teammate in the Belle Tire organization. It was fun to see Brendan’s excitement about the new opportunity.
"I'm excited for a fresh start and opportunity." - Brendan Perlini following his first practice with the #RedWings. pic.twitter.com/DCYMiPA9fs
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 31, 2019
And then, reality sets in. Most likely an effort to keep the pressure to a minimum, but the coaching staff has partnered Perlini with Nielsen and Hirose on the third line. The good, Perlini can shoot. This is certainly a needed addition for Frans and Taro. Neither seems to be eager to put the puck on net nearly enough. The top line looks to be Bertuzzi, Larkin and Helm, with Athanasiou, Filppula and Mantha on the second line (DeLaRose, Abdelkader and Erne on the 4th line).
Defensive pairings see Nemeth with Hronek(solid), Hicketts and Green (happy Joe gets another shot) and Bowey with Daley. Cholowski and Biega are scratched.
I am not, nor have I ever been, an NHL coach. To be fair, I’ve never coached anything that wasn’t music related. And, the use of the word “coach… in the music world can be a bit of a stretch. It just sounds cooler to have a guitar coach than a guitar teacher. In saying this, I’m making it clear that there is nothing resume related that would make me more qualified than any coach, assistant, or team statistician. All of that aside, I believe that Dylan Larkin is the type of center that will make players better. With some history and a need for some good opportunity, I would like to see Perlini skate with Larkin and Bertuzzi. Not as much as Mantha, but I understand wanting a shooter playing with Athanasiou. Mantha can create.
Helm has been solid. 4 goals so far this year, and he gives everything he has. That said, he is most valuable (in my opinion) as a third line defensive player. I completely understand needing a shooter on the top 3 lines. On paper, that is smart. But that’s math, and we still need chemistry. If Perlini and Larkin indeed have some history and know each other, that can translate nicely on the ice. I will reserve final judgement for a few more games played.
I made it clear that I was concerned about Bowey with Daley. Bowey is a risk/reward D man with a good shot. Daley can take care of his own end, but it’s a lot to ask him to cover up for gaps/gaffes. I think Cholowski has been better and would pair well with Daley. Yes you give up a right shot in Bowey, and when he’s on he’s a valuable option. Hopefully they have a good night.
Most of this write up is about what the Wings are going through and adjust for. In part, the Perlini trade is one with potential. Also, Carolina is a nightmare. There’s nothing they don’t do well on any given night. Solid D that can score, immensely talented forwards, and the goaltending can be lights out. On paper, i don’t see a category that puts this in the Wings favor. And so, the Ifs will have to win it again.
Power play, Athanasiou, stay out of the box or have a really good PK (stay out of the box), Larkin, Bertuzzi, Mantha all feel good etc. scoring is the miracle elixir for facing any great team. The Wings will need to play with confidence for 60 minutes. Start well, finish well. With everything clicking there is always the chance of a Motown miracle. Until consistent performance moves the bar on special teams and goals against, the effort has to belie the current statistics. This group has the desire to see that happen.
Thanks to everyone who stops by to read and comment. Keep them coming!
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