In Red Wings Land

HOW THE RED WINGs BECAME THE NHL’S HOTTEST TEAM — AND WHY IT MIGHT NOT LAST | The Hockey News

It’s not just the way Detroit is getting to the results that’s concerning, though. It’s also the foundation on which this streak has been built, one that appears flimsier than a five-dollar tent. Across their past 11 games, the Red Wings rank fifth-last in the NHL in Corsi percentage (46.4), fourth-last in shots for percentage (45.1), second-last in scoring chances percentage (45) and dead-last in high-danger chances percentage (39.6) at five-a-side. The Red Wings’ success hasn’t been predicated on overwhelming teams. Rather, it’s been the result of the aforementioned otherworldly goaltending and a team-wide shooting percentage of nine percent at 5-on-5, which is the 11th-best rate in the league since Oct. 28.

So yeah... some of those stats are a bit alarming.

Is the Red Wings current streak sustainable if none of those numbers improve? Probably not. Stranger things have happened in the NHL though. I feel like I keep saying this every week, but I’m just going to enjoy the winning ride while it rolls on. It’s sure as hell been more fun watching the team in November than it was in October.

Around the League

31 Thoughts: Can Ken Hitchcock’s demands lead Oilers to playoffs? | Sportsnet

26. Howard joked that he’s “not that old,” but recognizes how much the organization is changing. “Being a Red Wing still means a lot to us who have been here. It’s no fun to be out of the playoffs. Everyone wants to be playing come springtime.” He didn’t want to get into it too deeply, but some time after an 8-2 loss to Boston in their fifth game of the season, there was an intense conversation between the players about how their play was not acceptable.

“We had to dig in. Play the right way. The good thing about this group is that it is not a cliquey team. We could be blunt with each other. Press the re-set button and demand we start doing things like winning battles.” What did he say? “I kinda keep my mouth shut.”

There are a few ‘Thoughts’ on Jimmy Howard and the Red Wings this week. Elliotte Friedman give us a small, but interesting peek at the attitude inside the dressing room that has seemingly helped Detroit turn their season around.