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Detroit is facing off against a Bruins team that is 6-0-1 and was expected to have a bit of a falloff with all of the departures. The pregame report on NHL.com shows Detroit with an edge or even with Boston in all categories but two: the penalty kill (Boston is #1 in the league at a gaudy 97%) and goals against. Detroit is giving up 3 on average and Boston is giving up 1.57. Whether you put the onus on the goalies or the defense (or both) the problem remains. Detroit, in their wins and even their OT loss seemed to be out scoring their problems at a rate that was bound to be diminished.
When they are clicking (3rd period of the game against the Jets) the team has a fast a relentless forecheck. A slow start showcases goaltending and it seems like there are a lot of breakaway chance if the cycle play can’t get the opposing goalie to freeze the puck or end up scoring.
Debrincat has been a breath of fresh air. He’s got a skill set in terms of scoring that we haven’t seen for the past several seasons. Larkin’s ability to speed into the zone and help open up space has led to some fantastic back and forth and Raymond has been physical and held a spot on the wing for the past few contests. Sprong, Compher and Gostisbehere have all also had strong plays. Veleno came in strong and hungry this year. He creates a lot of chances and has shown some finishing touch early on.
The issue of the “franchise goalie” doesn’t feel like it’s been addressed yet (whether that’s to do with development or acquisition) and the chances against feel too numerous and there seem to be too many of them. The team has to make adjustments and there are still a couple players that haven’t settled in yet. With the Bruins, the Islanders and the Panthers coming up, it will be an interesting set of tests on how the team finishes the first 10 game series.
Outside of the games, a major announcement was made that the current draft format will be disappearing by 2025 (if not before).
Brian Burke has let it be known that he’s not a fan of the draft decentralization. Anyone who’s followed this blog for some time knows that I keep an eye on “outside” numbers. The league has serious financial woes, and the spin on the draft is the first move.
I’m not going to deep dive in this pregame, but we’re about 2 weeks from learning about ESPN’s past 12 months and future announcement. For anyone who’s been watching via the app on Bally or on ESPN3 Hulu for live sports and a newer service keep being mentioned. The push to put all content onto streaming is in full blast mode.
The real shame is, the draft class of 2025 now knows they’re not going to make the walk to the stage if they go in day 1. I almost wonder if the league will do a mass conference call so players picked in round one can hold up a hat or jersey via FaceTime. 2024 is supposed to be in Vegas, but I’d mentioned before that’s not guaranteed yet. No venue has been picked.
The league is looking for ways to save money. Detroit sold “District Detroit” for 9 million, the Coyotes are looking at Utah as a potential new home and so on. There are three other high ticket events that I’m sure will be discussed:
1 - The all star game. The city it’s held in gets a boost, but the league investments haven’t garnered a bigger audience. The excitement for the event has fallen off for a lot of the fans.
2 - The Olympics. This is one that has led to all out battles. The NHL wants the IIHF and the IOC to cover insurance and travel expenses for the players. The players demanded the ability to participate and so far that’s still the plan.
3 - The World Cup of Hockey. Of the three events this actually seems to have the most interest. Similar issues to the Olympics in terms of insurance and travel, but fans still seem to really enjoy this.
I have the preliminary numbers on ESPN’s report for shareholders, and most of us know about the Bally situation. It will be another article, but the needle isn’t moving in the right direction.
Of the 3 evens listed, do you have any you could live without? Would you swap any of them for the draft? It’s a shame to see that going away but a clear sign that owners understand the issues that are coming. By around 11/8 we’ll have some of the picture, but next summer, the rest will come into focus.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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