Jeremy Laura: What HB Red Wings fans are saying About this year’s changes so far

Hi Jeremy,

It looks like the Red Wings may have regressed or at least running in place. There is a net loss in goal scoring, and the defense is still a question mark. The forwards may be better defensively overall, but they will need to step up in goal scoring. DeBrincat for one, along with others. Kane will be on the team for a full season which should help also. Lastly injuries always can impact a team. Stay tuned.

This season is all on Lalonde. He has been unable to establish a sound defensive system in two years. His job depends on doing to this upcoming season. I think he is on a short leash, and could be replaced by January 1 if he fails to make significant progress in the Wings defensive play. There has been little evidence of what Lalonde's defensive system actually is so far.

The Wings were better defensively in their last 10 -12 games. It seemed as if Lalonde emphasized a more defensive game and Sprong could not cut it.
Wings still need a new 2RD in their line-up, or they will be lacking in their D game. I am still for trading Berggren in a package for a RD and dumping Holl if there is no plan to use him. Put Petry on the 3rd pair.
What is the plan for Husso!?!?!? UGH!

The way this roster is today, the Wings get 82 pts for the season and play golf and make excuses next summer.

I basically agree with Henry Hockey. Sprong was a 3rd or 4th line scorer that was a defensive liability. He could only play protected minutes. I am glad Stevie resigned Kane. Picking up Tarasenko will help replenish some of the scoring lost from Ghost and Perron. Of those two I was hoping they would resign Perron at a reduced rate but he is getting older and they needed cap space. Hopefully Edvinsin and whoever they decide to go with on defense can help improve the overall defense. I see Lyon and Talbot probably carrying the goalie position. Are they better? Time will tell but the entire team needs to improve for them to make the playoffs.

This season is all on Lalonde. He has been unable to establish a sound defensive system in two years. His job depends on doing to this upcoming season. I think he is on a short leash, and could be replaced by January 1 if he fails to make significant progress in the Wings defensive play. There has been little evidence of what Lalonde's defensive system actually is so far.
- Iago

Agreed. LaLonde will fail at improving the team’s defensive system. When that happens, I hope Joel Quenneville makes his return to the NHL behind the Red Wings bench for a reunion with Kane (and DeBrincat), who will help to fast track the rest of the team in buying into Coach Q’s system. One can only dream.

This season is all on Lalonde. He has been unable to establish a sound defensive system in two years. His job depends on doing to this upcoming season. I think he is on a short leash, and could be replaced by January 1 if he fails to make significant progress in the Wings defensive play. There has been little evidence of what Lalonde's defensive system actually is so far.
- Iago

In the defensive zone there is plenty of evidence of his system, it's a collapsing defensive system which i hate. Get all 5 guys back in the slot to try and block shots and prevent the opposition from getting to the front of the net for high danger scoring chances. At first glance it sounds great (and a lot of teams use it) but it has many flaws to go with the positives.

Negative:
#1. Screening your own goalies a lot.

#2. Allows opposing team way too much time and space on the outside to make plays.

#3. Makes for retrieving pucks along the boards (after missed shots or passes) a lot harder since your players are always far from the boards.

#4. Give the opposing defensemen all day to find holes to get the puck through with a shot that the goalie likely won't ever see and it might even deflect off your own players into your net.

#5. Makes breaking out once you do get the puck in your zone a lot harder when all 5 of your players are all in the slot with little to no space in between them which is why they flip the puck out so damn much and the other team just brings it back in and go back on the attack. This is especially bad in the 2nd period with the long change to the bench.

Personally i would much rather they play a high pressure man to man defensive system. Teams that play that way always give the Wings major problems. Either Fester loves that collapsing system or he doesn't think most of his team has the defensive IQ or skills to make it work. Looking at who he has on defense besides Seider, it might be a bit of both.

I don't think Sprong is a star or anything like that but i do think he could match Debrincat if given the same linemates and icetime. Both rely mostly on their shot to score and i think Sprong has a bit better shot than Debrincat. This is more about what i think about Debrincat than what i think about Sprong. It's no secret i didn't want the Wings to trade for Debrincat despite the fact they didn't give up a lot aside from that 1st round pick. I don't think he's another Cheechoo but i don't think he will ever hit 40 goals with the Wings and will struggle to hit over 30 in most seasons here.


Funny thing is instead of trading for Debrincat, i was saying they should just sign Tarasenko instead and keep their assets or use those assets to get a more complete better player even if it costs a bit more.

Gustafsson for Ghost is a big downgrade offensively even though Gus put up big numbers one season years ago. Defensively, Gus is probably a bit better. Will he play enough for that to even matter though? Does he get PP time on the 2nd unit? Personally i would rather see Edvinsson get the PP time on the 2nd unit over Gus if the Wings are going with a 1 defenseman PP units again.

Agreed. LaLonde will fail at improving the team’s defensive system. When that happens, I hope Joel Quenneville makes his return to the NHL behind the Red Wings bench for a reunion with Kane (and DeBrincat), who will help to fast track the rest of the team in buying into Coach Q’s system. One can only dream.
- danimal6777

I don't wish Lalonde a failing team, but if he is replaced I would hope that it be Coach Q.

I don't think Sprong is a star or anything like that but i do think he could match Debrincat if given the same linemates and icetime. Both rely mostly on their shot to score and i think Sprong has a bit better shot than Debrincat. This is more about what i think about Debrincat than what i think about Sprong. It's no secret i didn't want the Wings to trade for Debrincat despite the fact they didn't give up a lot aside from that 1st round pick. I don't think he's another Cheechoo but i don't think he will ever hit 40 goals with the Wings and will struggle to hit over 30 in most seasons here.


Funny thing is instead of trading for Debrincat, i was saying they should just sign Tarasenko instead and keep their assets or use those assets to get a more complete better player even if it costs a bit more.

Gustafsson for Ghost is a big downgrade offensively even though Gus put up big numbers one season years ago. Defensively, Gus is probably a bit better. Will he play enough for that to even matter though? Does he get PP time on the 2nd unit? Personally i would rather see Edvinsson get the PP time on the 2nd unit over Gus if the Wings are going with a 1 defenseman PP units again.
- dcz28

I just don’t think Sprong is going to hit those marks. Along with moving up comes tougher defense. He has a nice shot, for sure. But, his liabilities would be higher with that move up. I want the absolute best for the player, seems solid, but last year’s 2m was his career high earning. Had a lot of back and forth, and now is signed as a depth player again. Debrincat disappointed, but as an offensive player/skater/shooter I think he has an advantage over Sprong. Defensively bad. This is where I honestly wonder if Raymond may take top line minutes and Debrincat on line 2. Compher and Tarasenko are far better defensively and Debrincat can play the shorter ice game. Again, wish we’d have kept Sprong and he may well regret turning down whatever was discussed. Hopefully it’s a good year for him.

I just don’t think Sprong is going to hit those marks. Along with moving up comes tougher defense. He has a nice shot, for sure. But, his liabilities would be higher with that move up. I want the absolute best for the player, seems solid, but last year’s 2m was his career high earning. Had a lot of back and forth, and now is signed as a depth player again. Debrincat disappointed, but as an offensive player/skater/shooter I think he has an advantage over Sprong. Defensively bad. This is where I honestly wonder if Raymond may take top line minutes and Debrincat on line 2. Compher and Tarasenko are far better defensively and Debrincat can play the shorter ice game. Again, wish we’d have kept Sprong and he may well regret turning down whatever was discussed. Hopefully it’s a good year for him.
- Jeremy Laura

Sprong like Debrincat are mainly a one timer shot from their off wing. As long as they can find themselves open to shoot, they have a shot (pardon the pun) at scoring. Sprong would face the same thing Debrincat, Stamkos and Ovechkin do. I think he would be smart enough offensively, that with the right linemates, he could produce the 20 something goals that Debrincat does. I think he just needs a real opportunity to play with good linemates for a while without the fear (like Debrincat) that you will be sent to the 4th line or healthy scratched because your defensive game is weak.

It's not like i'm mad that the Wings didn't retain Sprong, like i said he isn't a star player just like Debrincat isn't...he's just scoring depth too and not a core player imo even though he is being paid like one. I know you won't agree with me and it's no secret i'm not a fan of Debrincat just like i'm not a fan of Rasmussen, Copp, Chiarot, Holl or Petry. Debrincat is more useful than the others i named though.

That is the problem - they were a bit better defensively during the last 10 - 12 games, yet still gave up over 3.0 GAA. Not good enough....not even close.

That is the problem - they were a bit better defensively during the last 10 - 12 games, yet still gave up over 3.0 GAA. Not good enough....not even close.
- Iago

Well, that would be a goalie problem then. Lyon declined a bit starting in mid February, I believe. Lyon is only good for 25-35 starts, he was in over his head last year.

The liklihood of Lyon repeating his heroics is low.

The liklihood of Kane staying healthy and repeating his production is low.

The liklihood of a measly 91 points being enough to make the playoffs is very low.

This roster will regress and miss by a wider margin.

That is the problem - they were a bit better defensively during the last 10 - 12 games, yet still gave up over 3.0 GAA. Not good enough....not even close.
- Iago

It’s almost like they’re rebuilding and going through developmental curves. No way, that’s crazy I know. We all must hate the Red Wings to show the support we have for the Red Wings.

Lmao make it make sense

The liklihood of Lyon repeating his heroics is low.

The liklihood of Kane staying healthy and repeating his production is low.

The liklihood of a measly 91 points being enough to make the playoffs is very low.

This roster will regress and miss by a wider margin.
- HockeyBuzzed

What I find perplexing is that my instant gratification isn’t being met and therefore the Red Wings suck. If they were in a rebuild we would have won the cup by now. Why must time make us wait!!!! Ahhhhhhh!!!!
Lmaoo

Sprong like Debrincat are mainly a one timer shot from their off wing. As long as they can find themselves open to shoot, they have a shot (pardon the pun) at scoring. Sprong would face the same thing Debrincat, Stamkos and Ovechkin do. I think he would be smart enough offensively, that with the right linemates, he could produce the 20 something goals that Debrincat does. I think he just needs a real opportunity to play with good linemates for a while without the fear (like Debrincat) that you will be sent to the 4th line or healthy scratched because your defensive game is weak.

It's not like i'm mad that the Wings didn't retain Sprong, like i said he isn't a star player just like Debrincat isn't...he's just scoring depth too and not a core player imo even though he is being paid like one. I know you won't agree with me and it's no secret i'm not a fan of Debrincat just like i'm not a fan of Rasmussen, Copp, Chiarot, Holl or Petry. Debrincat is more useful than the others i named though.
- dcz28

You make a lot of good points, and it may well come to pass.with Sprong. I just don’t think he’ll tickle the 30 goal mark. It’s all good to disagree and that makes this fun! Debrincat has been a let down and needs some redemptive play. As for your list, I’m in step with you. Ras had a decent defensive line but it’s not irreplaceable. I’m good with moving on when the time comes for Capp, Chiarot, Holl and Petry. If none of Mazur, Kasper or Danielson can steal a spot this season, I’m assuming at least one of those will have a spot next year. ASP should be in North America next year but I assume in GR. Love your input as always. This is our “cheers” to shoot the breeze

The liklihood of Lyon repeating his heroics is low.

The liklihood of Kane staying healthy and repeating his production is low.

The liklihood of a measly 91 points being enough to make the playoffs is very low.

This roster will regress and miss by a wider margin.
- HockeyBuzzed

I’m assuming Kane will miss at least 10 just for “maintenance”. It seems like Lyon will get a shot early on and he’s in a contract year. The points, I assumed 96 last year and will look at that again this year. I want to seem the team play a few games before I make any assumptions on how things will end up. You’ve had a lot of spot on takes, we’ll see how it all pans out

That is the problem - they were a bit better defensively during the last 10 - 12 games, yet still gave up over 3.0 GAA. Not good enough....not even close.
- Iago

You are absolutely right,it isn’t. A (personal) bright spot is the added scoring took them to a positive goal differential for the first time in a long time. Yzerman openly talked about increasing scoring last summer and is focused on decreasing goals against this year. I like Tarasenko as an add on for that in the top 6. I do think starting the year with Lyon having a more prominent role is a net positive over Husso but it will be goal tending by committee. Really hoping Augustine has another good year in school and decides for pro after this year.

Regarding Sprong. Not comparable to Debrincat. My goodness guys, just look at their track records. Sprong will never get more minutes because he isn’t good at backchecking and his overall defense is not there. I saw Debrincat successfully backcheck and be defensive last year. Is he tops at it, no, but he is NHL caliber at it. What would sprong’s stats be playing on the top two lines? He would have to match up against better players… his plus minus would be much worse, and he would have to deal with better defensive forwards and D on the top 2 lines. People, stop whining.

Kane is going to have a killer year. I predict he plays 70 games and gets 75 points. Anyone want to bet a coffee on that?

Other predictions:

DeBrincat gets 35+ goals.
Vladdy gets 30 goals.
Feds eats crow one more year for thinking Copp is equal to, or better than Compher. Total horse S.