Detroit’s longest win streak of the season under unceremoniously last night as Chicago grabbed a 4-0 victory in the season’s final meeting. The Blackhawks dominated the 8 game series to the tune of 6-2, the same margin as Tampa Bay posted. Detroit didn’t have the same “hunger” when they hit the ice, and though they limited Chicago in shots for the first 2 periods, the Blackhawks skill players broke through.
When the games sink back into the low/no scoring affairs, it’s fairly easy to wonder about the progress of this group. Detroit, again, sits tied for last place in goals per game (2.22, .14 lower than Buffalo). However, they are 8th from the bottom in goals against at 3.13. Last year goals against were 3.73 and goals for were 2. They’re letting in more than half a goal less and scoring about 25% more. That is a credit to the team. Visibly, team defense has been much better. Yes, the goalies are performing well, but I do believe the support from forwards and defensemen have improved as well. In particular Zadina has turned his defensive game around. He looks much faster than even 2 years ago.
On that theme, if you have the time Hockey Gifs did a really nice compilation piece on Lucas Raymond. Nick Lidstrom is a featured interview in different parts, and it’s a lot of fun to hear his excitement. It also makes me wonder if Nick is doing more European work for the Wings as time has gone on. One of the greatest hockey minds of his generation, having Nick in any capacity is a boon to the organization.
The clips feature goals, takeaways and assists. For me, Raymond’s defensive work and setup abilities are through the roof exciting. His skating and speed, as I’ve said before, remind me a bit of Mitch Marner. He looks, at times, like an energy drink commercial weaving in and out of his opponents. Adding that type of skill to a line with Zadina on it could really boost overall offensive output.
Detroit is building around defensive and high energy play. It’s exhausting, but it’s the kind of system that can win. We need shooters, obviously, but the need for next level defense is key. In watching some off the top teams that I consider to be “contenders”, the defensemen are able to shut down rushes and get the puck out quickly. Detroit’s defense is still a mixture of expiring deals and reclamation skaters. Djoos and Stecher have shown some good flashes. I really miss Merrill. Staal has been making very good plays. But, the defense needs help from the forwards. Ideally (and Pittsburgh was always very good with this) you can have a winger or even the center go for a change while the other 4 players back check. If you can get the puck out and to the neutral zone you can get a breakaway with a fresh player.
Raymond’s skill set will help here. Whether being the fresh forward or back checking, his passing abilities and speed can help solidify transitions. Adding Moritz Seider to the mix will be another boost. I wouldn’t mind Hronek and Seider as linemates, though both right shots, for next year. There just isn’t a left shot currently on the roster that can execute at that level. With Raymond coming in, you have another right shot forward (we haven’t had nearly enough) for those off side one timers on the power play and off side rushes.
I believe that once the D zone improves, the scoring will as well. It’s a lot for a forward to go 200 ft (sometimes 400 in a crazy game) and have the juice to line up their shots. From the neutral zone, though, is basically a shootout opportunity. For now we still need 4 men deep on the back check to limit opportunities. It’s a credit to the team that they took that on and ran with it. Once you can afford to have three back (2 D and a center or wing) and consistently have one forward near the blue line and one in the neutral zone, you’re going to force teams out of sending a five man unit into your D zone. So many things open up.
Yzerman’s first round picks in Detroit both seem to have the tools for the GMs vision. Yzerman’s understanding of where the game is heading helped build Tampa Bay. Whatever he’s seeing for the next 10 years will help return Detroit to post season contention. Lucas Raymond looks to be an exciting part of that vision.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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