Detroit Red Wings: Grading The Top Six Forwards
By John Curran
Oct 9, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Justin Abdelkader (8) celebrates his goal during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Abdelkader
Justin Abdelkader came out of the gate red-hot at the start of the 2015-2016 NHL Season. Abdelakder, who had a career-best 23 goals and 21 assists during the 2014-2015 campaign, scored four goals in the Red Wings first two games of this season. Three of Abbey’s four goals came during the Red Wings’ opening game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 9th, giving Justin his second career NHL hat-trick
After his red-hot start to the season Abdelkader quickly cooled off during the remainder of the month of October. In fact, Justin didn’t tally a single point for the rest of the month despite skating on Detroit’s most productive line alongside Zetterberg and Larkin. He did start the month of November off by registering an assist in Detroit’s 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 3rd.
Abbey continues to play his grinding and agitating style of hockey that fans of the Red Wings have come to appreciate. I fully expect Abdelkader to regain and develop his scoring touch as he develops into a young veteran leader of this Red Wings squad.
Overall Grade: B+
Next: Dylan Larkin