Red Wings Rumblings
It’s finally official — the Red Wings have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. It’s amazing that it took this long for it to happen. It wasn’t as close of a miss as it was last season when Washington slipped by only to get the brakes beaten off of them in the first round, but at least they survived late into the season… if you’re looking for a moral victory or whatever.
Congratulations are in order for former Red Wings coach Pat Ferschweiler. Fersch and his WMU Broncos finished the deal Saturday night and took down Boston University in the National Championship — earning Western its first Natty ever. What a year and what a team! Nice to see a Michigan school finally bring one of these home.
Speaking of college hockey — Isaac Howard is your Hobey Baker winner. The Michigan State star had big numbers this year — 52 points (26-26–62) in 37 games. Howard is returning to MSU for his final year, and that has whipped up some speculation as to what his next steps will be after college. Many seem to think he won’t sign with Tampa, the team who drafted him at 31st overall just a couple of years ago. I’ve seen a lot of Red Wings fans clamoring at the idea of signing him as a free agent (he has until August of next year to sign with TB before that happens). I would guess that Tampa is smart enough to trade him if they have a feeling he won’t sign with them. As a free agent, Howard will have leverage to sign with a team who has ice time to give. I’m not sure what he’s worth in a trade, but certainly it is something worth exploring for Steve Yzerman.
Some Red Wings related news — Head coach Todd McLellan said over the weekend that Elmer Soderblom will be shut down for the rest of the season due to an undisclosed injury. Bummer for the big guy.
Last but certainly not least, Axel Sandin Pellikka and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard’s season is over with the SHL’s Skelleftea. ASP and MBN, both first-round picks by Steve Yzerman, are expected to head over to North America to begin their journeys to the NHL. I’d say it’s a slim chance we will see either player with the Red Wings — they will likely join the Grand Rapids Griffins as they get ready for a push into the postseason. We’ll be keeping an eye on this for you, but that’s two more of Yzerman’s top picks making strides toward the NHL. You love to see it.
