Red Wings Rumblings
Gutsy win by the Red Wings last night in Minnesota. Down 2-0 going into the second period, the Wings rumbled back for a 3-2 win thanks to Simon Edvinsson’s thundering slapshot(s) that brought in two goals, including the game-winner. I’m sure we were all feeling the anxiety of holding a one-goal lead late in the game, but Detroit shut it down and took care of business. Doesn’t matter how you get the points, just that you get them.
We learned yesterday about Andrew Copp’s injury status. He’s out for the rest of the season after successful surgery to repair a pectoral tendon. The unfortunate injury to Detroit’s 2C was a precursor to Ville Husso’s trade to Anaheim, I believe. The cap situation is a little tricky — as Copp’s LTIR status won’t really provide much until they “spend” money via trade. Still not clear what, if anything, Steve Yzerman will do at the trade deadline. Missing a center for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs (should they make it) puts the team in a tough spot. Sure, they could make it work with what they have, but I have to believe that Yzerman will be looking for someone who can play center. Does he go big and try to reignite the rumors surrounding Dylan Cozens? Is he even still available?
There’s also Vancouver center Elias Pettersson, who isn’t having such a great time with his team and the media that covers them. His performance this season has me on the fence, especially since he would be the highest-paid player if he were to come to Detroit. I would feel more comfortable with the idea if Yzerman could get a sort of “bargain bin” price for EP. A lot to consider there, but we’ve seen what he is capable of doing. If EP could return to form, that would be the type of player that can take a team like Detroit to the next level.
Whatever the case may be for this front office, they have a lot to figure out between now and the NHL trade deadline, which is set for one week from Friday. Detroit still sits in the first wild card spot in the east, ahead of Columbus and still trailing Tampa for the third spot in the Atlantic. We know Yzerman isn’t crazy about acquiring rentals, so that suggests if they are to make a move, it will be significant. Not to say they wouldn’t trade for a rental, but the price would have to be easily digestible. The Wings are still in “rebuild” mode as veteran players still hold roster spots intended for younger players currently making their way through the system. However, if Todd McLellan can keep his team playing at an impressive clip, the strategy may have to change. We’ll see. Lots to come.
Detroit is off today before hosting Columbus Thursday night, then the Stadium Series game against the Blue Jackets in Columbus on Saturday. These are two big games for both teams. Detroit needs to get points with CBJ not far behind them in the race.
