Patrick Kane is feeling good in practice, not sure if tomorrow will be his great “unveiling”. The ups and downs have to be gut wrenching. As any of us grow older, being able to be near family becomes a rare and precious moment. However, there’s that “your new hometown hero” moment and the caution of coming back too soon. Either way, Patrick Kane will hit the ice wearing the Winged Wheel soon and that seems like a near impossible reality. Chris Chelios pegged him on air as coming to Detroit, and Kane will likely be on the ice in Chicago when Cheli’s number is retired. A bizarre but fantastic line of coincidence.
In all fairness, whenever Kane hits the ice, it will be a moment to watch. Not just from the perspective of a late season start but coming off of a major surgery. There is no telling what is going to happen, but there is no concealing the near explosive enthusiasm that could blow the lid off the Pizza Palace.
continuing in the vein of good news, Axel Sandin-Pellikka recently made a top 5 “Big Hype Prospects” list over on Pro Hockey Rumors. The 18 year old 17th overall picked up 8 goals and 4 assists in 23 games. The -7 will give some pause, but it looks like another solid addition to the prospects pipeline for the defense.
You can see his career stats courtesy of Eliteprospects.com. At 5’11” just on the verge of “undersized” but with Seider at 6’4” and Edvinsson at 6’6” we seem to be finding mobile big defenders as well. Just seeing Detroit’s picks on a near annual basis since Yzerman’s arrival make these lists is an encouragement. I don’t think there’s been a “better” pick than Seider, but rumbles of the additional talent entering the system are starting to make some waves.
With Detroit winning (though the defensive and goal tending issues have been thoroughly gone through) and seeming to take another step forward, it’s an overall plus (opinion) to be able to let skaters stay in the AHL for the season unless they absolutely force their way up. Yes, it will be good to see some of the players for a game or two but in 5 drafts the dynamic has changed greatly. The opportunity is there but Yzerman is making it a harder reach. Again, Seider just blew through expectations for many fans (and bloggers).
We're seeing Veleno seem to solidify a bottom six position. Whatever mental change/maturity kicked in he has grown into a different player. Full credit to the continued effort. Berggren is a bit frustrated but adding Compher to the mix allowing Rasmussen to focus on PK and defensive scenarios have made a formidable bit of opposition for the young center to overcome. a relatively healthy team greatly slows the amount of coast to coast traffic in Southern Michigan.
It is a sincere hope that there is enthusiasm for fans that have suffered through bad decision making and a long overdo breakdown. The framework of what this team will be is starting to come to light. clearly the focus was on a lack of goal scoring, now team defense (a virtual mantra from the mid 90s through the 2008 cup) needs to come together. there are capable leaders who can help, and as much as Copp has been frustrated he has a very good eye for opposing strategy. His on ice chemistry with Compher has been a lot of fun to watch.
we'll see what tomorrow bring, either way it will be served with a side of bleu cheese and some celery sticks. Here's to a reinvigorated defense and an even more confident offense as Detroit attempts to grab a 6th win in the past 7 games.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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