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The Red Wings had a nice win over Toronto yesterday and the Lions won a post season game for the first time in decades. Add a U of M national title to the mix and sports in Detroit and Ann Arbor have had quite a week. For everyone who lives in the area, it is a much needed boost. Fans feeling good tends to fill up restaurants and spirits seem visibly lifted. We had to reschedule a window installation and spent more time talking about sports than the install. There are a lot of smiles right now, and it’s fantastic to see.
So, after the Toronto win Detroit slid into a wild card spot and sit just one point behind Toronto (though Leafs have 2 games in hand). There are good things happening as Copp seems to look more confident on the ice, Lyon has been a breath of fresh air and Kane has been looking better and better. Unfortunately the Wings are now waiting for an update on his night ending injury. Hoping for the best.
As the team continues to find an identity and the budget is going to shift as Seider has certainly earned a nice bump, it begs the question as to who Detroit’s “rival… is going to be for the coming years. Ottawa was on a similar path of rebuild but something seems to have shifted. New ownership may have a different vision for the team and it will be interesting to see what tradeline and offseason changes are made. That in mind, the state of Florida seems to have two teams Detroit is going to have to battle to move up. The Panthers feel untouchable, but Tampa Bay is transitioning a bit. It may be Wings and Lightning over the next few years. Let me know your thoughts.
Speaking of divisional “foes…Bertuzzi was benched in a contest versus the Avalanche on Saturday. Even if the newly revised 4.7m cap boost comes to fruition (still think it will likely be less) Matthews and Nylander have some healthy raises coming. Would a Bertuzzi homecoming be something any of you have interest in?
Finally, A “Trade Bait… board has been posted and Hanifin along with Lindholm are on it. The reaction to these players in the comments has been mixed. There’s an appetite in the fan base for players who can be a bit more physical and there are centers and defensemen in the system that could well address at least some of the issues. Of the players rumored to be “available…, where do you stand? I’ve stated that this doesn’t feel like the year to spend assets to get a step closer. However, there may be a deal to be made that is a win/win. As always, thanks for stopping by and your input is greatly appreciated.