In Red Wings Land

Thanksgiving no longer benchmark for rebuilding Wings | The Detroit News

When it comes to developing younger players and rebuilding the lineup, Thanksgiving is more about the turkey and the stuffing than the standings.

Entering play Tuesday five points out of the playoffs, the day before Detroit’s 21st game of the season and the last game before Thanksgiving, the Red Wings have righted their ship.

Players in the room will tell you they fully intend to defy the nearly universal assertion they cannot make the playoffs.

I’m all for a playoff push as long as it doesn’t come at the expense of the rebuild. Ken Holland & co. can’t let this hot streak make them think they need to buy if the Wings are still hanging around somewhat close in the Wild Card race as the trade deadline nears. Playoffs would be fun for us fans and a great learning experience for the young players, but management needs to keep their eyes focused on the future and collecting as many assets as possible.

Around the League

NHL injury panic index: Which teams have been hit the hardest? | ESPN

Boston Bruins

Who’s hurt: C Patrice Bergeron (upper-body), D Brandon Carlo (upper-body), D Zdeno Chara (left MCL), D Charlie McAvoy(concussion), D Kevan Miller (hand), D John Moore (lower-body), D Urho Vaakanainen (concussion)

Yikes. It looks like tonight’s opponent is basically Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak and a bunch of guys who play pick up hockey at the local rink in Southie.