ESPN’s Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton ask questions which “linger” for every one of the NHL’s 32 teams today, and Shilton believes that the Red Wings need to answer questions as to whether their power play has improved:
Big question: Has Detroit done enough to address its power-play problems?
There’s been a recurring theme for the Red Wings in recent season, and that’s a mediocre power play. Granted, Detroit improved with the extra man in 2022-23, when the team jumped from 16.3% to 21.1%. Still, that ranked just 17th in the league and wasn’t ultimately good enough to be a true factor in helping the Red Wings reach their full potential.
GM Steve Yzerman seemingly targeted players this offseason who could be difference-makers on special teams, including defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (a possible top-unit quarterback), sniper Alex DeBrincat and a potential second-unit stalwart in Daniel Sprong. Given the league’s increasing parity, it is the success (or failure) of a power play that can make or break a team’s playoff chances. Has Detroit finally found the right mix to elevate its man advantage?
Continued; the Wings will have to have great special teams play to remain playoff-relevant throughout the course of the 2023-2024 season.
