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Update: Brogan Raffertyhas been called up from Grand Rapids. The 28 year old right shot D signed a 2 way contract with Detroit this past summer.

Detroit now has a winning record over the past 10 (5-4-1) after the California trip. The kings are 2-4-4 in their past 10. Numbers are very similar except for goals against. Kings at 2.45 (2nd in the league) and Detroit at 3.39 (24th). We’re nearly half way through January and Detroit picked up one point against Edmonton on Thursday and swept California before that. In a tough division, they have to grab points for all but 13.5 games (based on broadcast last game of 14) to hope to be in the playoff picture. This is where I tend to deviate a bit from some of the fan dynamic.

Investing in assets just to get to the post season and potentially giving up picks or good prospects just doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense yet. The “buzz” about Berggren has quieted a little and Husso was skating (gingerly) this week. With Danielson and Kasper both in the wings for the center position and Compher locked down, it may make a deal for Berggren more palatable at some point and certainly if one of the three goalies not named Lyon attracts a strong offer it should likely be considered. Just getting to the post season is a step, but not one that should be overpaid for.

Many of you would like to see some more physicality in the lineup. That’s a reasonable request, more than reasonable. The pipeline is starting to fill but that specific type of player isn’t one the organization has in abundance at this point. We’ll see what the offseason brings in terms of Yzerman scouting free agents and how the draft comes together.

All that said, Seider continues to look like a gem for the organization. He and Walman block shots and shut down cycles. Walman’s skating and offensive prowess makes that pickup look really good as well. There is a lot to be excited about. Today’s tilt vs. Los Angeles is an important one (as will all the games leading up to the trade dealing be). Detroit needs to hit the ice ready to go. Still marveling at the last contest as Kopitar did a shot pass off of Lyon’s pad that angled perfectly and let to a goal. He’s a skilled big man and can still make you shake your head with cerebral plays put together on the fly.

This will, hopefully, be a fun watch. Enjoy it!

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