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Bergeron with power play hat trick plus one
After 11 games, Detroit is 23rd in the league and 6th in the Atlantic division. Montreal and Ottawa are both below the Wings currently. With 10 points, the Red Wings are just below “hockey .500”. More disturbing, though, are some of the stats. After about 10 games, I tend to find that these numbers are in the realm of “useable”. Here’s what we’re seeing:
The power play is currently at 15.4%, for 25th in the league.
The PK is performing at 70% for 27th in the league.
Faceoffs are at 49.6%, 19th
Goals for, surprisingly, also at 19th with a 2.73 gpg
Goals against is at 3.55, 29th in the league.
-.77 goals per game differential.
Goals for are up .5 from last year, which would be a huge step forward but goals against are up .55 from last year. (Last year saw 2.23 GF and 3.0 GA). With a couple of high scoring affairs, if Detroit can lock down and get back to that 3.0 GA while maintaining the scoring increase, you’re looking at a -.25 differential per game. Getting to a 0 or positive differential would be a sign that things are really heading in the right direction.
What you’re saying is bad:
Left side defense is painful for many of you. It’s something you seem to just hold your breath while you watch.
The Center position is anemic. Larkin seems to be the only top 6 center we have, and it would take finding a center with nearly his same ability level to fix that issue.
What you like:
The rookies. Seider and Raymond are clearly the highlight for many fans early on. Raymond’s goal last night was a rip from the off wing that was satisfying to watch. Seider’s work on the ice usually gives a couple of moments each night that will make people happy.
What’s going to change this season:
I don’t know. Maybe nothing except the trips to IR. Whatever Larkin is dealing with right now is concerning. He hadn’t been on the ice in a week as of yesterday. The “payoff” for this team to be a little better by brining in someone probably isn’t worth draft picks or assets. Unless a “hockey trade” presents itself, the opportunity to be in the bottom 5 and the ability to draft 6th or 7th is probably more beneficial than decreasing fan angst.
At some point, maybe against Buffalo, I want to see the team come out flying and angry. The Sabres have had a slightly better start, and have shipped out players who had the locker room in a funk. I still don’t think they’re going to have much sustained success this year and will probably see a reversal in fortunes. How long can Montreal and Chicago continue to be in such dire straights? Those are teams that will try to improve their fortunes at some point. AZ is more than happy cleaning the bottom of the tank.
There are glimpses of better days ahead. We just haven’t seen them actualized in the past few contests. Tomorrow is another chance to step up.
Some of my previous posts:
Previous post:
Bergeron with power play hat trick plus one
Previous post:
Wings without Larkin again
Previous Post:
Hungry Habs Hamstring and Humble Wings
Previous post:
Seider gets rookie of the month, Montreal pregame 
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