The Hockey News’s Adam Proteau attempts to predict the order of finish in the Atlantic Division today, and he suggests that the Red Wings will finish in 6th place, behind the Ottawa Senators:
6. Detroit Red Wings
The Hockey News Yearbook Division Rank: 6th
Why I’ve Ranked Them Sixth: The Red Wings had an exodus of talent this summer, particularly on offense. The few additions they did make – including Tarasenko, defenseman Erik Gustafsson and goalie Cam Talbot – are underwhelming, to put it mildly. Detroit GM Steve Yzerman’s blueprint for success isn’t off track since there is still a wave of young talent on the way. But more questions could be asked if the Wings fail to make the playoffs this year. That’s a very real possibility.
There’s a lot to like about the Red Wings, but quality depth is a concern, and goaltending could continue to be a question mark for this franchise.
If Detroit doesn’t make the post-season, it will be intriguing to see how Yzerman and ownership react. They don’t appear to be an elite team at the moment, and even if they do make the playoffs, they’ll be underdogs. We’re pessimistic about their playoff chances this year, and we’ll be happy to be surprised otherwise, but this writer and The Hockey News Yearbook aren’t seeing enough to pick them as a playoff team.
Why I Could Be Wrong: If Talbot comes in, makes the starter’s job his own and helps Detroit cut down on their goals-against totals – they allowed the ninth-most goals in the NHL last season – there is a chance the Red Wings sneak into the playoffs as a wild-card squad.
They also must stay healthy, as injuries last season were partially why they missed out on the playoffs. They don’t have enough depth to help them overcome many injuries.
The longer the Red Wings’ playoff drought continues – without getting a high draft pick – the more it looks like they will continue to be fighting for a playoff spot but coming up short. Don’t count them out completely, but definitely don’t count them in.
Continued; as I’ve been saying, the Red Wings are going to have to prove the media wrong. And out-play those damn Senators.
