We’ve got less than a dozen games to go and I’ve no idea if the Detroit Red Wings will make the playoffs for a 25th consecutive season. I’m praying to the hockey gods that we do, but the fight for that wildcard spot is very tight this time of year.
Why are we going through such stressful times? Sure we haven’t dominated the division this season, but until the last few weeks we were a pretty good bet for the playoffs. Now, it’s anyone’s guess.
At time of writing (and hopefully for a bit longer), the Wings have conceded 201 goals. That’s 18th best (or worst) in the league. Average that out and that’s 2.68 goals per game. That’s neither the best nor the worst, but it’s not good enough to take us forward.
A stat I’m hoping will quickly increase is our goals per game. We are currently averaging just 2.53. Our goal differential? -0.15. The Philadelphia Flyers currently have a goal differential of 0.03. That looks insignificant, but if it guarantees a playoff place then I’ll take it. Why are we leaking goals? What needs to change for the Detroit Red Wings to be a serious Stanley Cup contender? It’s time to take a serious look at our defensive players and decide who we want to keep in a Red Wings jersey:
Brendan Smith
For reasons I don’t understand, Smith was left out of Wings’ crucial game against the Buffalo Sabres. This is a head-scratcher as Smith is on of our best blue line pairings. He has 15 points, which might not be as many as Niklas Kronwall or Mike Green, but unlike those two, he has a positive +/-. Smith is a key player in the Red Wings organization.
Niklas Kronwall
I’ve been a fan of Kronwall for a long time, and his 20 assists count for something, but when he’s on the ice, the Red Wings get scored on. His +/- is -17. Considering how many games he’s missed this season, I’m starting to think retirement might be an idea.
Alexey Marchenko
Marchenko puts his body on the line every game, averaging 5.02 blocks per 60 minutes. That’s more than any other Red Wing skater. He’s disciplined too, only 10 penalty minutes this season. Considering that Detroit rank 20th on the penalty kill, that counts for something.
Mike Green
The jury is out on Green. Like Kronwall, the Wings get scored on when he’s on the ice. Offensively he’s great, 26 assists and 5 goals is nice, but the game is played at both ends of the rink and he’s got to do better in front of his goalie. I’ve yet to be won over.
Danny DeKeyser
Dekeyser has done well this season. He has played more games than any other defenseman but still puts up good numbers. 8 goals and 12 assists shows offensive prowess, but unlike Green and Kronwall his defensive stats are positive as well. The boy from Michigan is doing well and has earned his place on team.
Kyle Quincey
Despite missing over two months’ worth of games through injury, Quincey has put in a reasonable performance in the 40 games he’s played this season. While I definitely like the guy, I can’t help but feel that there’s a young man in Grand Rapids missing out because we’re playing Quincey. He’s positive defensively, but not spectacular offensively. Is that good enough? I’m not so sure.
Jonathan Ericsson
He might be one of our older defensemen, but I’d be happy to see Ericsson start for Detroit for a few more seasons. Like Quincey, he may not score many but he’s consistent and guards the net pretty well.
What’s your opinion of the Red Wings’ defense? Is the team carrying anyone? Is there anyone you’d like to see called up? Join in the discussion and comment below.
Let’s go Red Wings.