MLive’s Ansar Khan offers “good” and “concerning” observations as the Red Wings hit the 20-game mark, and among his six observations are the following:
Dynamic duo of rookies: It has been 20 years since teammates finished 1-2 in Calder Trophy balloting (Dany Heatley and Ilya Kovalchuk of the Atlanta Thrashers). It could happen this season with Lucas Raymond (team-leading 19 points) and Moritz Seider (13 points), who rank 1-2 in the rookie scoring race. Raymond, the fourth overall pick in 2020, has fit in seamlessly on the top line with Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi due to his passing ability, dangerous shot, and hockey sense. Seider, the sixth selection in 2019, has been their best and most consistent defenseman, playing all situations and logging more than 22 minutes a game.
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Captain regains form: Larkin’s first season as captain was disappointing (nine goals and 23 points in 44 games). He has equaled that goal total in just 16 games and is averaging a point a game (16 points) despite some unusual circumstances. He was suspended for one game (punching Tampa Bay’s Mathieu Joseph in retaliation for a hit from behind), missed three games due to a family emergency, and was forced to sit out the third period in Dallas last Tuesday because of what turned out to a false positive COVID-19 test.
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Power play not potent enough: Sure, it was the preseason, but the Red Wings showed positive signs on the power play under new assistant coach Alex Tanguay. And while they have improved slightly, from 11.4 percent last season to 15.8 percent currently, it’s still not good enough. Despite having more depth and options with the additions of Raymond, Seider, Nick Leddy and Pius Suter and a healthy Bertuzzi, some of the same issues persist. They’re not getting enough shots on net and have been one shot and done too often.
I was with Kahn until he added Nick and Pius and Tyler is a real Wing Nut.
More odd ball things to happen down the road with Tyler. The opposition and even sometimes his own team mates are not quite sure what he is going to do. Sadly, only for me, I sometimes think StevieY might get the the best return on trade including Tyler.
Maybe Bert was like that, looking very good and then the odd Bert arrives.