Detroit Red Wings: What We Can Be Thankful For

This is the time of year when we should all take a look at what in our lives we should be thankful for. The Detroit Red Wings are no exception.

Hmmmm, smell that? That’s warm pumpkin pie just coming out of the oven. That sleepy-tired feeling you have? Probably from that third helping of turkey. That noise in the other room? Oh that’s just your distant family members fighting over details in stories that happened 20 years ago. Yes it’s Thanksgiving again, when we gather together with our families to eat until we’re stuffed, and then we eat some more once dessert is served. Football and dozing off take place throughout the day as well, but only when you’re able to find time between the mashed potatoes and the corn pudding. But hopefully at some point during the day, you find some time to take a step back and think about all the good things in your life to be thankful for.

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No? It slipped your mind? You were distracted by tomorrow’s Black Friday ads and forgot to be thankful for everything that you already have? Well let me help you out. Sometimes we forget that life is a lot bigger than just sports. We all have different lives, varying in details both large and small. I don’t know you. And you probably don’t know me. We might not have much in common, but I’m sure we each have something that we can look and be happy that it’s in our lives. And one thing that we do have in common is the joy we find in following our Detroit Red Wings. Regardless of what else is going on in our lives, we have this team. So if you have some time, join me in taking a look at some Red Wing items we should be grateful to have. These are a few I have, feel free to mention your own in the comments below. No complaining here, that’s for another time. Today is only about things that we’re lucky to have.

Dylan Larkin

Where else did you think we’d start? This kid was a question mark to even be on the team this year, and based on the Red Wings’ recent history with their youngsters, Larkin starting the year in Grand Rapids seemed like a forgone conclusion. But lo and behold Larkin made Detroit’s opening night roster and what a joy he has been. A goal and an assist for the young 19-year-old on opening night was just a prelude for what was to come. Eight goals and 15 points in the season’s first 21 games, you could make the argument he’s been Detroit’s best player this season. Larkin currently sits third in the NHL’s rookie scoring race, and based on the recent hot streak he’s been on there’s no signs of him slowing up soon.

Pavel Datsyuk

Boy is it good to have The Magic Man back. Detroit’s offense has had a tough time going so far this season, often costing the Wings in some low-scoring games. However since Datsyuk came back from injury November 13, both Detroit’s puck possession and scoring chances have increased. And that’s just in his first six games back. Once he gets his legs back under him, look for Datsyuk to return to his usual point-per-game pace. But his magic on the ice? It’s been there since Day One.

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Goalies 1A and 1B

Of all the things that could go wrong having two top goalies, none have seemed to have affected either Jimmy Howard or Petr Mrazek. Both have Save Percentages north of 92.3% and Goals Against Average in the top-17 in the league. Sure each has had a rough outing or two, but after a poor start  buy one guy, the other net-minder is there to pick the Wings up the next night. That’s a situation most teams would love to have.

Shot Suppression

Detroit has been playing a pretty uneventful style of hockey, one that’s helped keep the puck out of our net. The Red Wings are in the bottom 10 of both shot attempts allowed and in blocked shots, meaning that they aren’t sacrificing their bodies (and health) to block shots before they reach the net, they simply aren’t allowing the opposition to get shots off at all. Saving their bodies while keeping pucks away from their net? They’ll take that every day of the week.

3 on 3 Overtime

4 wins, only 2 losses, and not a single shootout. That’s something we can all be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving Red Wings fans!