Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen lists “five factors” that have been less than vividly apparent over the course of the Red Wings’ six-game winning streak:
Elmer Soderstrom Makes a Statement
The 6-foot-8 forward has a four-game points streak (one goal and three assists) and has shown that he has learned to use his size and reach more effectively.
Coaches seem to like the idea of playing Soderblom with 6-foot-6 Michael Rasmussen. That’s a load for any opponent to handle.
“He looks like he belongs more and more every night,” coach Todd McLellan said. “The size, the reach, but then the silkiness of his hands, the ability to make some plays. I have a lot of confidence in putting him on the ice right now. I’m not afraid or trying to hide him, or anything like that. He’s one of many that just come in and want to learn. He’s asking questions, he wants to get better and he works hard. ”
Albert Johansson Dependability Helps
Johansson played 22:08 against Vancouver. He played more than Simon Edvinsson and almost as much as Ben Chiarot. The trust in his smart defensive play is growing. He has averaged more than 20 minutes per game for the past five games. He’s plus-five in those games.
Give Trent Yawney, McLellan’s right-hand man, credit for deciding that the history of Edvinsson and Johansson playing together in Grand Rapids made them ideal candidates to play together in Detroit.
Johansson shows that he is crafty, one-on-one defender and an above average transition defenseman. Watch how he moves the puck out of his zone with purpose.
Continued; Johansson’s steadiness is the revelation of the second half of the season for me. He’s still a 6,’ 160-pound fellow, but he knows what he’s doing out there, and he makes himself effective, to the point that in Calgary, the Red Wings’ coaches placed Johansson out with Seider to shut down the Flames’ attempts at a comeback. He’s been fantastic of late.
