Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon asks “unanswered questions” for the Atlantic Division’s 8 teams as the preseason approaches, and here’s what he has to say, I mean, erm, ask, about the Red Wings:
Detroit Red Wings: Are they still the second-worst team in the Atlantic?
For the second consecutive off-season, the Wings brought in veteran players with the intention of improving right now. And, to be fair, there’s little doubt Detroit is moving in the right direction.
However, the tough dynamic in the Motor City is it doesn’t feel like the team is yet ready to overtake any of the established playoff squads in the Atlantic, while the two teams just slightly ahead of them in the standings — Buffalo and Ottawa — appear more likely to make a leap forward based on an abundance of high-end talent.
It’s entirely plausible the Wings will be a tough out this year; it’s just not clear how much ground — if any — they’ll actually gain in a tough division.
