The Detroit Red Wings are in the midst of a three game losing streak. Consequently, the team fell from leading the Atlantic Division to being outside of the wild card race. Unfortunately for the Wings, things could get a lot worse.
The current schedule is unforgiving, therefore any lapses in play are amplified. Even more, intra divisional games weigh heavily in the team’s standings. With back to back games against the Boston Bruins, Detroit’s woes could be increased greatly.
The Defense is a huge problem
The Red Wings entire season could be undone by the current state of the defensive corps. Simply put, Detroit does not have an NHL caliber top four blue line. Moritz Seider leads the team, however the drop off is significant. Simon Edvinsson is still developing his craft, as is rookie Axel Sandin-Pelllikka. If the team doesn’t not find a legitimate top four defenseman, this team will continue to spiral.
Unfortunately, the asking price for that type of upgrade is problematic. The Red Wings would have to part with a top prospect as well as a first round pick and more. At this point in the rebuild, those decisions can be costly. How much should Steve Yzerman sacrifice to push this team into the post season?
Coach Todd McLellan was fairly candid, individual mistakes are costing this team dearly. Right now, Detroit’s lapses continue to turn into goals against. Without a nearly perfect performance in net, the team won’t be able to compete. Unfortunately, neither John Gibson nor Cam Talbot are going to carry this team to a playoff spot.
Winning games can solve a lot of problems
The Red Wings need a brilliant performance, and they need it quickly. Otherwise, this losing streak could easily extend to five games. Losses against Nashville and New Jersey are even more glaring right now. Those were games this team could have won, and quite frankly the team needed to win.
A win can shift the mentality in the room, however that’s not going to be easy. Yet, Detroit has bounced back from tough losses already this year. If this team can find a couple of wins, that will help to stabilize the players. Still, Yzerman needs to find a solution outside of this roster, and quickly.
Meanwhile, in Grand Rapids…
Detroit’s strength, currently, is in the prospect pipeline. In particular, the Grand Rapids Griffins are firing on all cylinders. The team is 15-1-0-1 in an historic start for the franchise. Consequently, there are some potential options available for Call up.
John Leonard has 14 goals in as many games, and could be a candidate for the second power play unit. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard is finding his game, with 10 points (4G, 6A) in his past 10 games. Amadeus Lombardi seems long overdue for an opportunity, with 14 points in 13 games.
For Detroit, even a small internal move could mean a shift in energy right now. Therefore, it may be time to give another player an NHL opportunity. The current roster needs a change, and there are several options available.
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