The Hockey News’s Michael Augello examines “pluses and minuses” of three “bubble teams” in the NHL’s Eastern Conference in the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings, and both the good and not-so-good news about the Red Wings involves a single position:
Detroit Red Wings
Positive
After years of struggling to find a legitimate No. 1 goalie, GM Steve Yzerman may have finally solved the issue with the acquisition of John Gibson from Anaheim. The rest of the summer was spent solidifying their depth, adding veterans Travis Hamonic, Mason Appleton and James van Riemsdyk.
Negative
The Wings did not add any offense to a club that had only four players who scored 20 or more goals last season, which means they will have to play much better defensively, even though the depth on their blueline is questionable, and will need their improved tandem of Gibson and Cam Talbot to steal points.
Continued; the Wings need to both manufacture more offense and improve their defensive play, and at present, it appears that the team’s desire to add a top-six forward and a top-four defenseman will have to wait.
