The Detroit Red Wings got a big win in Chicago, however they are headed for a possible disaster. The Red Wings are going to face the New York Islanders for a third time. The first two meetings have been a disaster that saw the Isles outscore Detroit a combined 12-2. Therefore, the Wings will need to play their best game to avoid a season sweep in the final matchup.
The team will be without Patrick Kane, consequently John Leonard is being given an opportunity. Leonard leads the AHL with 19 goals scored in just 20 games played. This game will mark his first NHL appearance in over a year. Yet, Leonard will have an opportunity to skate on Detroit’s top line. He’s been skating in Kane’s place alongside Andrew Copp and Alex Debrincat.
Otherwise, the lineup remains unchanged with a squad that has been successful as of late. Rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka has 5 points in his past games. Similarly, Nate Danielson has three points in his past five games. The recent road trip saw several players take a step forward in scoring. Hopefully, that trend can continue against the Isles.
Jonatan Berggren placed on waivers
Winger Jonatan Berggren was placed on waivers after John Leonard was recalled by Detroit. Berggren has been held to just 15 games this season, scoring two goals and four assists. This season was presented as a pivotal point in Berggren’s career. Unfortunately, things have not progressed the way that he had hoped.
It seems unlikely that Berggren will pass through waivers unclaimed at this point. Injuries are beginning to take their toll league wide creating opportunities. However, if Berggren does pass through he will likely be assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins. The Griffins are on an historic run, with a collective 22-1-0-1 record to start the season.
If Berggren is claimed, only two drafted players remain from Ken Holland’s tenure as GM. Dylan Larkin and Michael Rasmussen are the final two picks of the former general manger. Steve Yzerman has done a near complete roster reset since his arrival in 2019. In fact, only Larkin remains from Detroit’s opening night roster in that inaugural season.
The Red Wings through 33 games
Detroit holds an 18–12–3 record (39 points) through its first 33 games this season. At the same point last year, the team sat at 13–16–4 (30 points), a disappointing stretch that ultimately led to the dismissal of head coach Derek Lalonde. The organization turned to Todd McLellan, who took over behind the bench nearly one year ago, shortly after the Christmas break.
Detroit’s power play currently operates at 22.3%, ranking 9th in the NHL. While that marks a decline from last season’s elite 27% efficiency (4th overall), the penalty kill has taken a meaningful step forward. The unit sits at 79.8%, good for 19th in the league, a significant improvement from last year’s historically poor 70.1%, which ranked last in the NHL. Despite these gains, the Red Wings still carry a negative goal differential of –0.15 goals per game, though that figure improves on last season’s –0.29.
The Red Wings have made clear progress, but the margin for error remains razor thin. A short losing streak can quickly drop a team from the top of the division to the bottom of the standings. That reality makes Detroit’s win over Chicago even more critical as the team prepares to face the Islanders. If the Red Wings fail to change the dynamic, New York will look to complete a clean and decisive season-series sweep.
Berggren’s gone indeed, not a surprise. He will play for St Louis and I think he will get a chance to show what he can do. He is talented but it didn’t work enough here in Detroit for him. Wish him good luck !
As you said, the race is so tight that Detroit cannot have a night off ! I am a bit worried of the after olympics that motivate them a lot. Remember after the all star break, Larkin was not the same last year (okay, Kasper and Raymond found the points…).
One game at a time : let’s try and win against P Roy !