The Detroit Red Wings took five of six points after a three game road trip. Thus, the team continues to hover around the top of the Atlantic Division. The team is riding an 11 year high, however things are about to get very interesting. The Red Wings are heading into their toughest time of year, and they need to be strong.
Detroit started this trip facing the Toronto Maple Leafs, where the Wings won in 2-1 in overtime. The Red wings played the next night in Minnesota, where the Wild won 5-4 in overtime. However, the team bounced back two days later with a convincing 5-1 win over the Winnipeg jets. The Red Wings have only lost consecutive games once since the end of November.
Detroit now sits with 69 points, and five games left until the Olympic break. However, Simon Edvinsson was injured on the trip and may not be available until the NHL restarts after three three week break. If the Red Wings can win three of the next five games, they will sit at 75 points when the league shuts down.
Edvinsson’s absence may force a trade
Detroit’s defense stepped up in Edvinsson’s absence, however blue line depth continues to be a concern. The Red Wings are rumored to be actively searching the market for some upgrades. Even so, Steve Yzerman has yet to put together a deal and the options are limited.
Dougie Hamilton or Justin Faulk would both be good options for Detroit, and cap space is not an issue. The Red Wings currently have more than 14 million dollars available, along with picks and some enviable prospects. Nate Danielson’s name has been mentioned in some rumors, however the organization may be hesitant to part with him. Danielson’s game has improved greatly since his return to the AHL.
GMs will have to deal with a trade freeze during the Olympics, so any pending deals may have to wait. The Red Wings have surprised many pundits with their success this year. Even so, most still agree that the team seems to be a couple of pieces away from getting behind just a post season entry.
February and March have been a problem
Even though the Red Wings are in the best position they’ve seen for 11 years, concerns abound. February and March have been notoriously problematic for the rebuilding club. After last year’s “Four Nations Tournament”, Detroit had a 6-11-1 record. That fall off put the playoffs completely out of reach.
Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider are all participating in the Olympic Games. An injury to any of those players could be devastating for Detroit’s playoff aspirations. After the break, the Red Wings will have 24 games left and will need to play at least .500 hockey in that stretch.
The Atlantic Division is incredibly tight, and it may take as many as 97 or 98 points to make the playoffs. If the Red Wings hit the break with 75 points, they will need to win half of their remaining games to eclipse those marks. Things won’t be easy, but this year’s squad has impressed many of their harshest critics.
