Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff wonders aloud whether former Chicago Blackhawks Alex DeBrincat, Erik Gustafsson and Patrick Kane can rediscover the power play chemistry which they displayed from their time in Chicago:
During the 2018-19 season, that trio were linchpins on a potent Chicago Blackhawks power play that was clicking at 20.17%. Kane led the Blackhawks in scoring that season with 44 goals and 110 points. DeBrincat was third on the club with 41 goals and 76 points. Gustafsson would enjoy a career year. He wound up with 17 goals and 60 points.
On the power play, Kane was contributing nine goals and 30 points. DeBrincat would account for a team-high 13 power-play goals. Gustafsson put up 4-14-18 numbers when Chicago was enjoying the man advantage.
Two years ago, none of the three were Red Wings. Now that they all are, that chemistry they possess on the power play is already surfacing even during training camp drills.
“Gus does find a way of transporting the puck from the blue line and giving Patrick some time,” Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde said. “He seems to find a way to bring it to the sweet spot. So there is some chemistry between those three.”
It’s one of the reasons why when defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere was opting to take his power play expertise elsewhere in the summer, Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman was setting his sights on acquiring UFA Gustafsson.
“He runs a great power play,” Detroit captain Dylan Larkin said.
Continued; the Red Wings are indeed hoping that Gustafsson can rekindle some chemistry with Kane and DeBrincat, and they’re hoping that he can establish some chemistry with the Red Wings’ other power play performers, too.
