Red Wings See Big Changes in Hot Start

By Jlaura76 / November 2, 2025

The Detroit Red Wings shootout win over LA was intense, however the team was not prepared for Anaheim the next day. The 5-2 loss was rough, in contrast the overall season start has been impressive. The Red Wings sit at 8-4-0 through 12 games, consequently they are riding high early in the season.

The Red Wings went 7-3-0 in the first ten games, thereby rising to a start they hadn’t seen since the 2010 season. The opening schedule was intense, but the Red Wings have performed admirably. The team is young, and the positive momentum does a lot to build confidence for this team.

Comparing the numbers to last season

The end of last season saw some tough numbers, in particular the penalty kill was especially bad. The team finished last year at 70.11%, but this year they have started at 86.11%. That shift is enough for 8th best, in contrast to dead last in the prior season. That change alone could do a lot for this team, especially considering the 25% powerplay, ranked 10th in the league.

The goal differential is nearly a wash, coming in at 3.33 for vs 3.25 against. Goals against is still an area that needs help, in fact it’s critical for the team to move forward. The goalies have made timely saves, unfortunately defense continues to experience breakdowns. Going forward, the Red Wings will need to tighten up defensively to have a shot at the post season.

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS GOALS VS ROCKFORD ICE HOGS https://t.co/p2J3gWoLD1 via @YouTube @griffinshockey goal compilation from win over @goicehogs as the Griffins open to a historic 7-0 start
— Red Wings Report by Strings’nPucks (@TheJeremyLaura) November 2, 2025

The prospects are perfect right now

While the Red Wings start is impressive, the Griffins have been nearly perfect to start the year. The AHL affiliate has been good, in fact they’re showing a strong pipeline available for Detroit. John Leonard has seven goals and 2 assists, likewise Dominic Shine has 5 goals and 2 assists. There are already options for call ups if, and truthfully when Detroit will need them.

Nate Danielson continues to impress, and MBN has finally gotten his first regular season assist on the board. Brandsegg-Nygard is also adding physicality to his game, something Detroit needs more of to be sure. The Red Wings have a bright future ahead, it remains to be seen if that will translate to a successful season for this year.

This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 8 hours, 20 minutes ago by mcmastermike1968.

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

Author

Posts
November 2, 2025 at 8:30 am #46521

Jlaura76
Participant

The Detroit Red Wings shootout win over LA was intense, however the team was not prepared for Anaheim the next day. The 5-2 loss was rough.

[See the full post at: Red Wings See Big Changes in Hot Start]

November 2, 2025 at 2:09 pm #46565

frenchtoto
Participant

Hi again from overseas,

interesting to compare the numbers from last season at the same time, there is progress indeed even if defense still needs to get better. Is Ed playing well ? ASP is starting to learn the difficult part of the NHL, a bit slow on Terry’s goal (I thought he could skate well but maybe a bit tired on that shift), Hamonic not that bad and a quite good surprise from Chiarot (I’m always careful with this name because in french, “chariot” means a trolley and is almost the same spelling…)

Good surprise from GR, but with Gus and Holl, Leonard and two pretty good goalies, it is another team.

Detroit will need to rest and train to get all the little things back to work, but with the schedule, it is so difficult. They have to focus on the next game, but also see further away for the playoffs (so, good to let the young ones do mistakes… for now !)

November 2, 2025 at 5:20 pm #46588

mcmastermike1968
Participant

Hey, Jeremy. Good read and definitely invigorating to see the GRG team doing so well.

I’m not overly concerned about MBN’s showing with the Big Club. He’s had some exposure to what areas of his game need love & attention. He played well, bit it felt like he needed to slow his gsme down, which he wasn’t doing. No doubt he’s got a list of areas of concern. Once he polishes his game, he’ll be a contributor without a doubt. He’s got great speed, hits are measured to extract the most benefit, and he does have a great shot. It’s just a matter of time and he’ll be up to stay.

GRG has such a deep pool of talent. Watson’s done some awesome work on the kids, and the future is no doubt very bright. Now, I don’t think we can turn this team around merely with kids from the ‘A’, We will need to pull in a big name or 2 from either a block-buster trade or jump in the deep end in UFA.

Will be interesting to see how we react to the LAK loss. We were just out-classed by a deep LAK team, those guys are for real. We’ll get there, I’ve no doubt. But the waiting’s getting tedious!!!
Author

Posts