Detroit Red Wings: 8 Things To Know About The New Season
By John Curran
Mar 31, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Teemu Pulkkinen (56) makes a pass in the first period against the Ottawa Senators at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
#5: It’s Teemu Time
Teemu Pulkkinen may face the most pressure out of all the young Detroit Red Wings’ forwards. Last season Teemu played in 31 regular-season games with the Red Wings where he tallied 5 goals and 3 assists. Now, heading into the 2015-2016 NHL season, Pulkkinen is out of options in regards to being sent down the AHL again without first clearing waivers. It’s hard to imagine last season’s AHL scoring champion slipping through the cracks without being picked up by another team.
In regards to Teemu wining the AHL scoring title last season, one has to remember that he still won that award while still playing in the 31 games with the Red Wings. As a matter of fact he played in at least 27 fewer games than the three next-highest AHL goal scorers. This is definitely a guy that the Red Wings don’t want to let slip through their fingers, but it’s also up to Teemu to hone his big shot and make a case for himself.
I expect Pulkky to start on the third-line with Darren Helm and possibly Tomas Jurco as his other winger. It’s hard to not think of Brett Hull when you watch Teemu windup his “Pulkkanon”. The kid loves to shoot, and it’s fun to watch, but as I stated earlier he has to start putting the puck on net.
Next: #4: Will Dylan Do It?