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Detroit got a win over Carolina, and we all found out that gergeswillems is a prophet. In the pregame, I’d hoped for three things. Hronek to score (empty net still counts), power play to click again (two tallies by Erne) and for Mantha to get on the score sheet. Two out of three ain’t bad, as per Meatloaf.
Erne has been a pleasant surprise. He’s really found his groove on the power play, and can bang and crash a bit. All of a sudden, he could be a trade target for bottom 6 depth. Glendening, at this point, still has the most heat as both Toronto and Montreal have been linked to the depth center. I have to believe that Bernier is going to be getting a lot of looks from Washington and Colorado. Yzerman may be able to grab some draft picks and/or prospects.
Before we get to Dallas, it turns out that a bright spot to the 2017 draft is emerging. Keith Petruzzeli has been nominated for the Hobey Baker award. With a .929 sv% and 1.78 GAA in 27 games, the 3rd round pick has gotten some impressive attention. Each year seems to have been an improvement (.892 freshman, .904 sophomore, .920 Junior). The only concern, he’s not signed.
If KP can have some success in the AHL/NHL, it will be a much needed parting gift from Ken Holland. There was some decent hype around the 6’5” goalie when he was drafted. Hopefully, the front office has been in touch with KPs agent and are ready to bring him into the fold. Goaltending depth has been (rightly) a cause for major concern. Perhaps the future is getting a bit brighter.
As for Dallas, last year’s Western Conference Champs had a tough start to the year. Being shut down for an extended period of time, they’ve played 5 fewer games than Detroit and sit 8 points (and two teams) back of the final wild card spot. The Stars need to make hay, and win 4 of the 5 games in hand on Chicago to keep pace. Their GAA of 2.56 is 7th in the league, compared to Detroit’s 3.3. The first contest went to Overtime, but the second was a 7-3 blowout.
Detroit is finding some stability, but tend to do poorly in the first game of these back to backs. I expect a loss tonight, but with a possible comeback on Saturday. Keep an eye on Hronek, who has a gaudy 9 points (1-7) in the last five games. Erne has 3 goals in the same period. Hoping for a solid effort, and would love to see the power play click again. Let me know what you think will happen tonight (gergeswillems will be the authority).
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