Yesterday’s video on Travis Ridgen and an Ian White interview saw continued debate in the comments that were an overflow from the loss to Winnipeg. If you can, please click the link and head to the “Slanginthebizkit” youtube channel and subscribe. Incredible interviews and content, and a huge thank you to Travis for taking the time.
Today, Detroit faces Buffalo. The Wings sit at 4-5-1 with Buffalo at 4-6-1. After 10 games in, here are the head to head stats:
Power Play: DET - 23.3%(10th). BUF - 9.1% (31st)
Penalty Kill: DET - 65.6%(30th) BUF - 74.3% (22nd)
Faceoff %: DET - 49.8%(15th) BUF - 47.2% (27th)
Goals for: DET - 2.7 (24th). BUF - 3.18 (17th)
G. Against: DET - 3.4 (23rd). BUF - 3.64(26th)
Goal differential per game - DET -0.7. BUF -0.46
In the categories listed, Detroit’s biggest advantage is the power play, which has been clicking more. Opinion, this has been a part of the game where a strategy/coaching seems to have shown itself. In the Winnipeg loss, both Detroit goals were on the advantage and both were a modified triangle pattern. Seider and Raymond both assisted on goals by Larkin (snap shot from in front of the net) and Debrincat (tip from the side).
The man advantage seems to look for a pass from the blue line to the sidewall (or vise versa) leading to a pass or shot pass for the slot/bumper or rebound tap in. Seeing some form of structure is encouraging, but the D zone still seems to be problematic.
Winnipeg’s first two goals were off the rush where they outskated the defenders and made the cross ice pass for a tap in. Keeping in mind that the Jets have an incredibly strong start, it’s not a shock to see them outwork and outscore Detroit. Throughout the season, there seem to be prolonged periods of the Red Wings unable to get the puck out of the D zone and matched with one and done chances on the rush. The possession game at full strength offensively is shut down by passes into the feet or onto the sticks of defenders.
These are two teams that both have playoff droughts and have fans eager to see improved results. If Detroit can find consistency in clearing the D zone, winning toss up puck battles and extended attack time offensively the team can start to turn the page on a difficult start to the season. Offensively, the blue line took a major hit with the departures of Walman and Gostisbehere and hasn’t seen anyone step up. In truth, it seems like someone would have to be brought in at this point to see an upgrade in that department.
One quick set of kudos to Seider. He entered the last game with 591 blocked shots and is on pace to be the 2nd Dman to have 600 blocks and 600 hits before turning 24. That may not excite many, but it certainly shows a commitment in those areas.
Let me know how you think Detroit will fare in tonight’s contest. The last trip to Buffalo was a 5-3 loss and on divisional games Detroit is going to need to find some footing.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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