Thursday, September 9, 2010

Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: Detroit Red Wings

Ah, one of our fine Original Six foes. Detroit has set the bar of success in the NHL over the last 15 years - one the Rangers are so far below they can hardly see it. The Red Wings have an owner who cares, a GM who is a genius and a head coach who puts them in a position to win. Can you imagine? No, I can't either.

Familiar Foes: One of the oldest teams in the NHL, the Wings have a lot of guys who have been around for a while: Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Lidstrom, Franzen, Holmstrom, Kronwall, Draper, Maltby, Rafalski, Stuart, Bertuzzi, Cleary, Osgood ... just look at all that talent, it really is unfair. Although, it should be said that Ozzy has lost his starting job to Jimmy Howard - the bridesmaid of the Detroit goaltenders who finally became the bride last season.

N00bz: Ken Holland decided to tweak his roster by adding a few veteran pieces instead of plugging in more of their capable kids. But those veteran pieces are nothing to frown on: future Hall of Famer Mike Modano and Olympian Ruslan Salei were signed and greedy former Wing Jiri Hudler was allowed to come back from his Russian vacation. Those additions and the extensions of some of the other long-time Detroit landmarks means that blue chip prospects Joakim Andersson, Tomas Tatar, Jakub Kindl, Brendan Smith, Daniel Larsson and Thomas McCollum will all have to wait their turn ... it really is an embarrassment of riches in the rusting city on the Detroit River.

Last Year: Sunday, December 6th, 3-1 Ranger loss.

This Year: Sunday, Sept 26th in Detroit & Wednesday, Sept 29th @ MSG in the preseason; Monday, February 7th in Detroit.

What They Mean To Blue: The Rangers play the middle two of their six preseason games against the Wings to it should be make or break for the borderline Blueshirts - ya figure the first two games will see everyone get a shot and the last two will be Tortorella throwing darts at a board to find line combinations/chemistry. The one regular season matchup will be a Monday night Versus game, which makes it pretty much meaningless and hard to watch but far more listenable than the usual MSG faire as it will be without Micheletti. (Yep, still grindin' that ax.)



 Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: Detroit Red Wings



The Detroit Red Wings, a storied franchise with a rich history in the NHL, are gearing up for another exciting season of hockey. As the puck drops on a new campaign, it's time for another installment of "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition," where we provide an in-depth look at what to expect from the Detroit Red Wings in the upcoming season.

In this article, we'll delve into their roster, recent performance, key players to watch, and answer some frequently asked questions about the team. Whether you're a devoted Red Wings fan or just intrigued by this legendary NHL franchise, our preview has got you covered.

Detroit Red Wings Roster Analysis

The Detroit Red Wings have faced challenges in recent years, but their rich history and loyal fan base continue to make them an iconic NHL team. Let's examine some key aspects of their current roster:

1. Offense:

The Red Wings are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, with a mix of young talent and experienced veterans. Dylan Larkin, the team's captain, is a standout forward known for his speed and scoring ability. Players like Filip Zadina and Tyler Bertuzzi offer offensive potential.

2. Defense:

On the blue line, Danny DeKeyser is a veteran presence, while Filip Hronek and Moritz Seider are young defensemen with promise. The Red Wings are looking for their defensive core to continue developing.

3. Goaltending:

In goal, Thomas Greiss and Alex Nedeljkovic provide a solid goaltending tandem. Greiss brings experience, while Nedeljkovic is a young goaltender with potential.

Recent Performance

The Detroit Red Wings have faced challenges in recent seasons, with playoff appearances becoming less frequent. However, the team is committed to a rebuilding process, with a focus on developing young talent and building for the future.

While their recent performance hasn't led to playoff success, the Red Wings' management has made strategic moves to strengthen the roster. The team's fan base remains optimistic about the potential for a turnaround in the near future.

Key Players to Watch

Dylan Larkin: Larkin's leadership as captain and his offensive skills make him a player to watch. His ability to set the tone for the team is crucial to the Red Wings' development.

Filip Zadina: Zadina is a young forward with a promising offensive skill set. His development and scoring touch will be vital for the Red Wings' future success.

Moritz Seider: Seider, a highly touted young defenseman, is expected to play a significant role in the team's defensive core. His growth and contributions will be closely monitored.

Alex Nedeljkovic: Nedeljkovic's potential as a young goaltender is a key factor for the Red Wings. His performance in goal can greatly impact the team's fortunes.

Tyler Bertuzzi: Bertuzzi's physical play and scoring ability provide depth to the Red Wings' forward group. His contributions in both ends of the ice are valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can the Red Wings return to playoff contention in the upcoming season?

The Red Wings are in a rebuilding phase, and their playoff return may take some time. Their success will depend on the development of their young talent and their ability to compete in a competitive division.

2. How important is Dylan Larkin's leadership to the team's development?

Dylan Larkin's leadership as captain is crucial to the Red Wings' development. He sets the example for the team's young players and provides stability during the rebuilding process.

3. What is the Red Wings' playing style known for?

The Red Wings have a history of playing a puck possession style of hockey, emphasizing skill, speed, and creativity. They have been known for their strong defensive play and responsible two-way hockey.

*4. Are there promising prospects in the Red Wings' organization?

Yes, the Red Wings have promising prospects in their system, including Lucas Raymond and Jonatan Berggren. These young players represent the future of the franchise.

*5. How has the team addressed its defensive challenges?

The Red Wings have focused on developing young defensemen like Filip Hronek and Moritz Seider to address their defensive challenges. Building a strong defensive core is a priority for the team's long-term success.



The Detroit Red Wings, a franchise with a proud history and passionate fan base, are in the midst of a rebuilding phase. With a mix of young talent and experienced veterans, they aim to lay the foundation for future success.

As the new NHL season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Red Wings as they work towards their goal of returning to playoff contention and championship glory. Whether they achieve their goals or not, one thing is certain: the Detroit Red Wings will continue to be a team worth watching and supporting as they pursue excellence in the world of professional hockey. So, get ready for another season of Red Wings hockey as they embark on their journey towards a bright future in the NHL.




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