WDIV’s Bartkowiak on what qualifies as a ‘good finish’ for the Wings

WDIV’s David Bartkowiak Jr. offers this observation as to the state of the Red Wings, based upon a set of survey answers given by his “Dear Red Wings” discussion board:

It’s not crazy to see Red Wings fans more optimistic about this squad. GM Steve Yzerman made a long list of moves in his first full offseason in the position. The moves included upgrades (or so we thought) to the defense, offense and goaltending. He’s built this team with very few long-term commitments as he tries to foster a young corps and develop prospects, all while gaining more assets through draft picks. We won’t be surprised to see him flipping players at the trade deadline (April 12) for even more draft picks.

But before then, if the Red Wings don’t return to that more competitive feeling we saw in the first four games of this season, I am sure the next question on everyone’s mind is whether there should be a coaching change.

As I’ve said — and so many others smarter than I have said — over and over again: It’s not exactly about winning every game for a rebuilding team like Detroit. It’s about being competitive and putting young players in better positions to learn and perform. That’s what 6th place is — losing tight games but building toward a better future. Losing 6-2 to a depleted Chicago Blackhawks team that is expected to finish last in the league is not it.

Continued; at this point, I don’t want to be thinking about flipping players for picks come April 12th (which is this year’s trade deadline)–but I do want to see the Wings improve in terms of their competitiveness and overall play, and what the team is offering right now in terms of their level of play isn’t going to cut it with anyone in the Wings’ fan base.

I’m not thinking about a coaching change, either, if I may be blunt. Yzerman has stated that he’s going with Blashill for now, and I don’t expect him to do anything less than ride out the season with Blashill behind the helm.