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At some point the “E” word kicks in on a rebuild. Expectations. Shrinking goals differentials and increased points in the standings seem to signal good things coming. Here’s what the past 2 seasons have looked like. (Per hokey-reference)

Last year’s team accumulated 80 points (35-37-10) with a goals for of 240 (24th) and goals against of 279 (23rd). Compared to the previous season of 230 goals for (25th) and 312 goals against (30th) and finishing with 74 points (32-40-10). Baby steps? Perhaps. 33 fewer goals against and 10 more goals for with a differential of 39 as opposed to 82 is definitely heading the right direction (and a team without Vrana and Bertuzzi for chunks that now seem permanent)

Now, where are we at? Moves were made. LCA has a ghost in it, another center was brought in and I (along with some of you) and hoping to see a rookie force their way into the lineup. That’s all building blocks, but to what end?

In February Detroit was still in the mix, is this a year where the end of the previous era is now the starting point of this team? Is it time to make the post season even if that means a round one loss? I think that would be a net positive for the fan base, but there are still the “tank for (blank)” voices that come out of the woodwork. We can now only fall back 2 spaces instead of three, so a dead last finish is a guaranteed “no worse than 3rd overall pick”.

I’d like to see some success. The news of Bergeron retiring in Boston was a sad tiding. In my lifetime he’s one of my favorite centers and team leaders. Toews seems to be done, Kane is pondering, the landscape is changing. Is this Detroit squad going to break out of the gate? Who is on Larkin’s left wing (assuming Debrincat on the right)? Does Raymond find more time and space behind the new acquisition? There is a big of intrigue in all of it.

If you’re lucky enough to get to Traverse City, get in line early on the first day. They hand out the lineups/line combos and each time I went they would run out. Once “player run practices” start as players congregate during that window where coaches can’t be present, it will be interesting to see who “clicks”.

The prospects tournament will (hopefully) set up a good development year for some new faces and an up tempo, high compete camp and pre season will be more than welcome. Let me know your thoughts on who may be a sleeper to put a veteran on waivers and grab a job. Here’s to another step forward.

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