|
Red Wings look to sweep panthers, Kane’s Nomination, prospect thoughts |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow me on Twitter
Patrick Kane’s nomination for the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy highlights one of the bright spots for the past couple of seasons. The hall of fame bound winger has helped to re-energize Debrincat whose personal season has been a pleasant surprise. Currently at 35 goals with 5 games remaining, “the cat” has been more physical and has seemed to find the confidence that seemed to take a hit when moved on to Ottawa.
Kane is a player other players want to watch. He also “slows the game down” for linemates even during high speed sequences. Of course it’s fun to reflect back to seeing #88 leaning over the boards to watch Datsyuk, and for his career “showtime” has incited the same reaction. When he’s having fun on the ice, good things are happening for him and the people around him. Congratulations to a well deserved nomination.
For Detroit, there are a few things left in the hopper to look for as they play out the final 5. Of course Larkin getting off of a 9 game drought has him just one goal off of his 4th consecutive 30 goal season. Raymond continues to be a near point per game player, with 75 in 77 contests. At 26 goals, it’s a bit steeper of a climb to see him eclipse 30 again but his part as a core piece seemed to have been solidified. Kasper is at 16 goals and 16 assists in 72 games but his game came to life under McLellan.
For the fans, there’s an interesting mix of positive outlook and understandable frustration. The best part of looking forward seems to be the line of prospects ready to take a job and how that will pan out. A personal top batch includes:
Axel Sandin-Pellikka - for a defenseman he may have to do some AHL reps, but this may be one the team really watches closely as a candidate for an NHL look.
Amadeus Lombardi - even in limited action due to injury, 35 points in 37 games (18g, 17a) and the way he navigates the ice feels like another Kasper type opportunity in the making. Start on the wing higher up in the lineup, move to center when the time is right. Just needs to stay Healthy.
Antti Tuomisto - the 6’5” right shot Dman should easily displace Holl and may be a candidate for a look at the right side of Edvinsson. 27 points (3g 24a) in 62 games doesn’t hurt either. As Edvinsson continues to develop his offense at the higher level, it could be a fun tandem to watch.
William Wallinder and/or Shai Buium - early in the year it felt like Wallinder was the left side lock in. He may still be. Smooth skating, good playmaking, 17 points in 57 games (2G, 15a) for the 6’4” left shot Dman. Then Buium started to put it together. With 24 points (2G, 22A) in 63 games Buium’s skating and repositioning of defenders allows for playmaking in the O zone. The 6’3” left shot is also very good with his edges, making small movements that can pull opponents out of their spot and dishing the puck to help take advantage of the open ice. Not a stretch to think that both should be in the mix.
Nate Danielson - with a slow start in the goal department, Danielson now sits at 11 goals and 27 assists for 38 points and 4th on the team in scoring. Almost mirroring his final season in jr (without a trade) his 2nd half has seen the centerman find a groove on the ice and his creativity in close quarters and puck retrieval indicates solid vision.
Those are just some thoughts. As always, chime in with your own as Detroit looks to go 3 for 3 against the Panthers to close out the series for this season. It would certainly be a high point in what was a tough ride that has seen changes that could drastically reshape the club over the summer and a much better first half. The schedule is going to be much more condensed with nearly a month off for the Olympics and an All Star weekend.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»