Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen suggests that the Red Wings need to improve in three specific statistical categories in an attempt to make the playoffs during the 2023-2024 season. Here’s one of those statistical categories:
271 Goals Scored: The Red Wings only netted 237 goals last season. That means the team needs to increase goal production by 14.3%. Even with the addition of Alex DeBrincat and JT Compher, that’s a big ask. The Red Wings added Daniel Sprong, coming off a 21-goal season. But they moved out Dominik Kubalik’s 20 goals.
The key, as Yzerman has pointed out, will be increased production from everyone on the roster. Can Lucas Raymond go from 17 to 25 goals? It feels like he can. Certainly, Andrew Copp will improve on his nine-goal production. At worst, he should score 15-plus goals. That’s also true for Michael Rasmussen who has made himself valuable by becoming a better all-around player. But more goals are expected.
Younger players like Joe Veleno and Jonatan Berggren can do more. There’s no reason why Berggren can’t go from 15 to 20, given enough ice time.
The 271 goal standard is important. Eleven of the 12 teams that reached that number made the playoffs last season. The Vegas Golden Knights (267) and Carolina Hurricanes (262) also made the playoffs after falling just short of 271.
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