The Red Wings’ beat writers have repeatedly informed us of the difficulties which the Wings face in their upcoming 4-games-in-6-nights road trip, as well as their remaining schedule. Detroit’s players and coach are looking forward to a rough schedule and playing teams that they never seem to defeat, as they told Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff:
“This is a huge test,” admitted Red Wings forward Andrew Copp. “Four good teams, teams that we haven’t really faced yet this year, teams that are above us in the standing. So this is going to be a real good measuring road trip for us.”
In truth, it’s just the first of many difficult challenges ahead for this team. According to the website Tankathon.com, Detroit is grading out with the most difficult remaining schedule in the NHL. The opponents ahead for the Red Wings show an average winning percentage of .588.
“We play really good teams now,” Detroit defenseman Moritz Seider said. “I think we just should be excited.”
Detroit has four games remaining with Tampa Bay, and three each against Florida and Carolina. Home-and-homes await with the Stars, Minnesota and Vegas. There’s also two remaining games on the slate with surprising Washington and surging Montreal. Single games include Toronto, New Jersey, Colorado and Edmonton.
The Red Wings will be finishing the regular season with four of five on the road. They close with games against the Devils and Maple Leafs.
Coach McLellan will have none of it:
“I want them to live in the moment and just worry about that,” the Detroit coach said. “It can be hard if you get caught up in all of that stuff. It can take you down or it can put you too far up. Put the equipment on and let’s deal with things between Minute 1 and Minute 60 and we’re fine.”
