In a subscriber-only article, Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen lists 5 reasons why the Red Wings might make the playoffs this upcoming season. I’m going with #3 and #4:
3. Red Wings Will Score More Goals: Coach Derek Lalonde’s group isn’t going to suddenly become a top 10 scoring team. But if Alex DeBrincat nets 35+ plus, Daniel Sprong adds 20, Lucas Raymond scores 25 and Robby Fabbri stays healthy maybe the Red Wings could go from 24th in scoring last season to middle of the pack this season. Surely, Andrew Copp will score more than nine goals.
4. Sharper Goalie Numbers: Thanks to the addition of James Reimer and Alex Lyon, the Red Wings are deeper at goalie than a year ago. The Red Wings only won 34.6% of their backup goalie starts last season and had an ugly team save percentage of .894. They may decide to keep three goalies this to start the season. They could win more than they lose when they play the backup goalie this season. With an improved defensive group as well, the Red Wings hope, maybe expect, to have a save percentage above .900. If Ville Husso plays like he did in the first half of last season, Detroit owns a shot at the playoffs.
Continued (paywall); I don’t know whether the Red Wings will make the playoffs or not. I have a feeling that it’s a long shot at best. But I hope they are at least playoff-relevant for the vast majority of this upcoming season.
