Getting back to where they belong

NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman has posted an article in which he discusses the ways by which the 8 Eastern Conference Teams that didn’t make the playoffs last season can rectify that particular issue:

DETROIT RED WINGS

Last season: 35-37-10, 12 points out of second wild card

How it ended: The Red Wings were third in the Atlantic Division as late as Dec. 6, but they lost six of eight (2-4-2) heading into the Christmas break to drop out of a playoff spot. They never were able to climb back and missed the postseason for the seventh straight season.

Biggest offseason change: The Red Wings hope Alex DeBrincat can be their first 40-goal scorer since Marian Hossa in 2008-09. The 25-year-old has scored at least 40 twice in six NHL seasons and had 27 in 82 games with the Ottawa Senators last season. Detroit traded forward Dominik Kubalik, defenseman prospect Donovan Sebrango and two draft picks, including a conditional first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, to the Senators to acquire him July 9 and then signed him to a four-year, $31.5 million contract ($7.875 million average annual value).

Why they could get in: DeBrincat becomes the centerpiece of an offense that got deeper with the offseason additions of forwards J.T. Compher, Kailer Yamamoto and Klim Kostin and defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere. Detroit certainly played like an improved team in coach Derek Lalonde’s first season, scoring more (2.89 goals per game last season, up from 2.77 in 2021-22) and allowing less (3.35 goals allowed per game, down from 3.78). DeBrincat should excel on a line with center Dylan Larkin, who set NHL bests last season last season in goals (32) and points (79). Combined with improvements from young players like forward Lucas Raymond, and defensemen Moritz Seider, 22, and Simon Edvinsson, 20, the Red Wings could end their postseason drought.

Continued; in my opinion, it’s going to take everything improving for the Red Wings to make the playoffs, from special teams play to scoring, defense, goaltending and of course luck with injuries.