Last season was another close call for the Detroit Red WIngs to make the playoffs. Another point here and there would have closed the deal for Detroit, but they sat on the outside looking in again. This season, there is hope they will break that barrier and once again compete for the Stanley Cup. Here is a look into what could become of the upcoming season and one bold take.
What needs to improve
Plain and simple it is the goaltending and defense. Too many times last season the goaltending was shaky or the defense was out of place on several plays. These are two critical things the Red Wings need to improve to not only make the postseason but become a better team that is harder to play against.
The defensive part of the game goes to the forwards too. A handful of forwards would take the night off occasionally and cost the team games. The defense as a whole has to pick it up and really push the pace. A more aggressive defense that closes gaps quickly and plays physical is what Detroit needs to improve its playoff chances greatly.
Where will they finish?
Based on the last two seasons they will finish either eighth or ninth. This year could be different. The Montreal Canadiens finished above Detroit and grabbed the last playoff spot last season. The Buffalo Sabres are not a good hockey team right now and look to once again finish below the Red Wings in the standings.
If Montreal falls off or completely collapses that playoff spot is there for the taking for Detroit. This spot in the playoffs could come down to the final day again. With a revamped roster Detroit may finally have the horses to overtake Montreal and grab a playoff spot. However, if the new acquisitions for the Red WIngs do not show up, the playoffs could belong to Montreal or Buffalo.
Bold prediction
There are two predictions, one of things going well and one of the things not going well. If things go well and Detroit is in or near a playoff spot by the trade deadline, they go out and acquire forward David Pastrnak from the Boston Bruins. If they get close they have the assets to acquire one of the premier goal scorers in the league from a team that could be well out of it by the deadline. Pastrnak would give them three legit goal scorers (Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond) heading into the postseason. Pastrnak has playoff experience and lifts his game to another level.
However, if things go badly and nothing can get them into the postseason, they make a big trade and ship out someone like DeBrincat. If they can't win with him, they could trade him for a defenseman, which is a position they have struggled with for some years now. DeBrincat would not be the sole problem but he could fetch quite a return. This move may be the beginning of a wholesale fire sale come the offseason if they miss the playoffs again.
The Red Wings are in a do-or-die situation. They either make the playoffs and move on with that success. Or they fail to make the playoffs and wholesale changes happen to the roster and management. Detroit is getting into that stage where something needs to happen to turn this around and I am not sure making the playoffs saves jobs. GM Steve Yzerman may be in trouble, along with head coach Todd McLellan, and some roster players. Pivotal and crucial are two words for the upcoming season. Keep your eye peeled if things go bad in a hurry,