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Detroit is offering refunds, credits, and other goodies to take the sting out of the lost 4 home games due to the league shutdown. For a while now Detroit’s already decided place (31st) has been a stabilizer. There really isn’t anything to lose in the scenarios for the playoffs because, well, the Red Wings were already way out of contention. Enter today’s unfortunate article on TSN.
Jonathan Bernier Was asked a number of questions ranging from his famous flu game in Toronto to Larkin’s leadership and dealing with the reality of being in last place. Earlier in the week, I was reminded that Jimmy Howard’s last win this season came in late October. Chew on that for a minute. That eternity was topped by another thought. With the view of the 24 team return (not 24 team tournament, I’ll explain later) Detroit is dead last in what I call “The unlucky 7”. These 7 teams will likely not see NHL action again until next season. That could be as long as December. In short, Detroit will have gone 9 - 10 months between playing NHL games. That is brutal.
Detroit, Ottawa, the state of California, New Jersey and Buffalo are in line for this unfortunate break in action. All of a sudden, coming back for 10 games looks like a divine respite instead of an unnecessary trek.
The 24 team format Is being clarified a bit. There are teams who don’t want to face a reality that Montreal or Chicago could be fresh and possibly cause a major upset in making the playoffs. This is coming from players and owners both. The comeback is a wildcard. Just like the beginning of the season, some teams come out of the gate hot and some not. And so, it sounds much more like games will be played to get teams up to speed before entering the playoff format. Players and the board of Governors are working night and day on how to get this done.
So, what is the answer for the unlucky 7? My guess, and that’s all it is, is the revised draft where only one team “wins” the lottery and no team moves more than one space back. The would put Detroit as a guarantee for picking 2nd. That is very good news. Some have Byfield being the #2, and some Tim Stutzle. Either will be a massive upgrade.
If you read the Bernier article, he talks about Lafreniere. The two work out together and Bernier believes him to be a franchise altering player. The reason I won’t focus on that is because the draft has been “unkind” to Detroit. Ottawa and New Jersey seem to be the likely winners this time around. The more I plan on being passed over, the less painful it will be. However, If....well, never mind. Not even worth speculation.
With this information coming, would you rather see Detroit come back for 10 games or just take the lumps of a 9 month forced respite? It feels bizarre, but the reality seems to be solidifying. As with everything right now, we are going to have to wait and see.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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