Update - Talbot in net, possible callup from GR based on forward availability
Optional skate for #RedWings before tonight’s game vs. New Jersey (7, FanDuel Sports Network). Lyon is not in the starter’s net but Talbot is not on the ice so we’ll see afterward who is starting. pic.twitter.com/QDFPg2FsaQ
Detroit had an optional skate this morning and no official starter was named at this point since, well, optional skate. Many, if not most of you, call out multiple deficiencies (particularly on the blue line) and there are already multiple teams looking at upgrade scenarios as PHR did a write up on Nashville and Chicago who are both looking to add a middle 6 center. Perhaps the most interesting quote from the piece was:
Unluckily for them, it’s a quiet trade market, as acknowledged by Nashville general manager Barry Trotz on 102.5 FM The Game recently. “No one is trading anyone right now,” Trotz said, Friedman relayed.
Add Calgary to that mix (per the write up) as looking for a middle 6 center. While it’s uncertain that Detroit has (or has the ability) to part with the desired asset these seem like conversations that should at least be had even with just 10 games on the season. While it’s unclear if anyone is taking to Utah (or vice versa) the prospect of Soderstrom not being on the ice should be of some interest to the club. This isn’t a terribly exciting name for many of you but it’s one that may be attainable with the right combination of prospects/players and picks.
As it stands, the Devils sit 5-3-1 and Detroit is 3-3-0 right now. Though for Detroit we’re not at that 10 game level that’s preferred (personally) for stats, New Jersey sits 11th on the power play at 25% with Detroit at 22nd with 15%. For the PK, New Jersey is at 10th with 82.6% and Detroit sits at 28th at 68.4%. Not good enough doesn’t scratch the surface of what those numbers are saying. For shots on goal, New Jersey is at 11th with 30.6 and Detroit sits dead last at 25.3. Shots against is the first category of the 4 where Detroit sits with 33.5 compared to New Jersey at 28.8. The team is is giving up 8 more shots on goal per game than they are taking while New Jersey takes 2 more shots than they give up. The Devils score 3.56 gpg while Detroit scores around 2.5. Simply, it’s not enough. None of it. Goals against are 2.83 for Detroit and 3.11 for New Jersey.
LaLonde has to be in at least some level of discomfort here. Last game’s embarrassing output was commented on by Compher as players continue to try to move the puck in the O zone through the middle and into stick traffic instead of taking the short side opportunity. It’s maddening to watch. “Newsie” is renowned for being a bit “soft spoken” but it isn’t landing right now. It feels like individuals trying to make something out of nothing and hoping the goalie can bail you out.
Most of you know there’s at least a rumbling of coach “Q” being on the radar. The power play gets looks but doesn’t finish. Kane looks frustrated, Raymond looks frustrated, pretty much everybody looks frustrated. Maybe something will “click” but right now it feels like game after game of missed opportunities with 2 of the 3 wins being shutouts (and needing to be).
Seeing the young players on the ice in the final minutes on the Island was at least a positive sign that Kasper, Seider and Edvinsson have pushed some players aside. It’s on the front office to make sure they’re exploring all avenues and on the coaching staff to make sure whatever systems are in place are understood. right now they don’t seem to be.
Let me know your thoughts. It’s very possible this is far too harsh off an assessment but the last game was just about unwatchable for those following the Winged Wheel (and it was a win). The game is provided courtesy of Fan Duel tonight. We’ll see what hits the ice at puck drop.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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