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Filppula was placed on waivers and he’s made it through. Not a lot of surprise there. However,
Anaheim has placed 23 year old defenseman Brendan Guhle on waivers. A left shot D man is something Detroit is going to be looking for, do you think there’s a fit?
Detroit has split the season series with Carolina. Losing 3-0 and then winning 4-2. For this part III I’m shooting over to Rocky III. Carolina may well be Mr. T’s Clubber Lang (or Hulk Hogan’s Thunderlips) to Detroit’s version of Stallone’s Rocky. Early in the film, Rocky does a charity bit with Hulk Hogan, and the size difference is insane. That’s pretty much how the offensive prowess of Carolina looks against Detroit. 4th best power play at almost 30% vs the league’s worst at 10%. 3.7 goals for and 2.73 against vs 2.08 for and 3.28 against. 15th best PK at 80% vs Detroit’s at 70% (30th). Not good.
Much like the movie, Detroit will basically need to survive a barrage of attacks (needing stellar goaltending) and let Carolina wear themselves out shooting, and will need to score 4 (seems to be the magic number for a win). The late, great Burgess Meredith won’t be there to call anyone a bum or tell them to crap lightning (a shame). Carl Weathers won’t be in the locker room teaching footwork and wearing awkwardly short shorts and a crop top (if you don’t believe me, go back and watch it. Just brace yourselves).
Detroit has scored on the power play in 3 straight games now. Big improvement. Mantha scored in the loss to CBJ, and Svechnikov in each gave against Chicago. (Really hoping he and Andrei can share the ice, maybe scrap with each other). Carolina has so much talent and potential, the only thing that can derail this team is ownership.
GM Don Waddell is using the headlines to negotiate with Svechnikov. “He’s ours, he doesn’t have arbitration, this will be easy”. He seems to dare players to go for an offer sheet. Hamilton’s negotiations have dropped off as well. Montreal did Aho’s negotiations for him, and it was an embarrassment to watch. Some of the newer owners just don’t have respect for the game. (Waddell wanted coaches and staffs working without a contract). In fact, Brind’amour has an expiring deal. That is interesting. Would the ‘Canes risk losing him by being cheap? It’s not a good idea.
Hamilton would be the top defenseman in free agency, and knows that. Pietrangelo left St. Louis to get 8 million a year (Krug got 6.5). I don’t see Svechnikov playing “hardball” like Nylander did, but I do see he and his agent refusing to get steamrolled. This team has a lot of potential and good pieces, it would be a shame to see an owner destroy their own franchise. (We already have Melnyk).
So, where will Detroit land tonight? Can they net 4 and get the win? Another dropped period where they let in 3 to 5 goals? Let me know what you think and enjoy the game.
Quick note - CBJ reportedly very tight on funds, part of the reason Tortorella hasn’t been extended.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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