Detroit Red Wings: Wrapping up week 10 of the 2023-24 Season

Welcome to my 10th regular season Detroit Red Wings weekly review. The Red Wings went 1-3 last week with their only win coming against the St. Louis Blues by a score of 6-4 in St. Louis.

The losses came against a division rival, 5-1 against the Ottawa Senators, and two playoff-contending teams, a 6-3 loss against the Dallas Stars and a 2-1 defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Positives

New Red Wings forward Patrick Kane produced one assist over this past week as he continues his comeback, bringing his season total to one goal and one assist for two points in five games. He looks comfortable in the lineup and like his old self again with no signs of fatigue or rust.

Kane can play a crucial part down the stretch as he is a playoff performer as Detroit marches toward a playoff spot. His role is now key as four players are missing from the lineup so the offense may go through him for the time being.

Joe Veleno continues his hot play, contributing one goal and two assists for three points as the leading scorer for the week. He has transformed his game in so many ways that he is looked upon more than ever. He is a force in the lineup that contributes in all three zones.

He came into this season with an agenda and looks to progress into the scorer he was in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) before making his NHL debut.

Without some key pieces in the lineup, The combination of Kane and former teammate Alex DeBrincat has already established a connection in Detroit.

They are playing like they have not missed a beat since their days with the Chicago Blackhawks and have given the Red Wings a scoring 1-2 punch that could make them a dangerous line when the team is healthy and back at full strength, regardless of who the third member of the line may be.

The Detroit Red Wings are a very interesting team in the NHL right now

Negatives

Forwards Dylan Larkin, J.T Compher, and David Perron are significant losses at the forward position. The team losses are starting to pile up as the team does not look the same without these three in the lineup.

Although they are still creating offense and getting scoring chances, they are missing the leadership and finishing touch they provide on a nightly basis.

The power play went 3-for-17 this past week and did not generate enough chances while having the man advantage. Kane has helped provide patience and leadership on the ice, directing players where to be and where to go once in the offensive zone.

However, Larkin, Compher, and Perron all have the finishing touch that Detroit is lacking right now. The Red Wings do not have someone to play the bumper position on a consistent basis or draw the defense to them, alloowing a teammate to be open.

With Kim Klostin also out, they need someone to take punishment in front of the net in hopes of gaining the edge with the man advantage. Could we see a power play line switching?

Weekly record: 1-3

Season record: 15-10-4, 34 points, 4th in the Atlantic Division.