Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen offered a list of five reasons why the Red Wings should improve their record this upcoming season, and here are two of said reasons:
3. Stronger Down the Middle: Pius Suter can be a difference-maker. Should be a 20-goal scoring center. If Dylan Larkin has a rebound season and Suter plays to his potential, the Red Wings’ center production will be much improved. Michael Rasmussen could be a Jordan Staal-like player, starting his career as a No. 3 center with the hope of moving up. This season, he should be able to score 10-15 goals. Finally, Stephens can replace Luke Glendening and perhaps do even more. The Red Wings could end up with two No. 3 lines. And don’t write off Joe Veleno for this season. Suter’s arrival makes it harder for Veleno to start the season in Detroit. But they could start him or Rasmussen on the wing. Veleno can be a responsible, two-way scorer.
4. Power Play Will be More Productive: After two consecutive seasons of being dreadful, the Red Wings’ power play should be improved under assistant coach Alex Tanguay. For starters, Leddy knows how to get the puck in the zone. There’s more talent available this season. This group should have a power play percentage pushing toward 18 percent. They were at 11.4% last season.
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