A 0-3 record to start is not fun. The fact is that the only game the Detroit Red Wings did not have a chance to win was opening night.
Injuries have crippled the Detroit Red Wings defensive unit. Yet the young players have stepped up, in a season where wins and losses do not matter. Players development is the only game worth watching.
It was always going to be a challenge to find wins and points for the 2018-19 Detroit Red Wings. It was not supposed to be a season that young prospects were pressed into action this early. Injuries have once again bitten the team. The young defensive player has, for the most part, looked pretty good.
Dennis Cholowski, in 3 games has a goal, 2 assists, and 3 points. Dennis has looked very good in the defensive end except in the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets where his stick got caught, and a goal was scored.
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Libor Sulak looks like he is getting more comfortable by the game. The towering defensemen has played very well and is learning to use his tremendous size to his advantage. Goals will come in time. For now, it is the right call to have him focus on the defense. He is fast mostly because his legs are long when gives him the upper hand. I am very interested in watching his development as the season moves along.
Michael Rasmussen is in the same boat as Sulak. Big and learning to use his size. He looks the best I have seen him vs. the Anaheim Ducks. In that game, Rasmussen tallied his first NHL assist and point. He also made some very nice passes. He also looks like he has somewhat caught up to the speed of the game.
Christoffer Ehn looks like he may be a grind-line type player. He is a defense first kind of center which is just fine. His line with Luke Glendening and Darren Helm produced a goal in the same game vs. the Ducks.
Tyler Bertuzzi, who has been one of the best forwards out of the gate for the team and has scored 2 goals and has 2 points. He has been all over the place on the ice even getting under opposing players skin.
The Detroit hockey team is waiting for Anthony Mantha to get cranked up. Dylan Larkin has looked like he may have a big season. In a season that was never going anywhere near the playoffs. It is a season that has to happen. Young players learn and grow. Losses mount with the hope of a good lottery pick.
Next season the Detroit Red Wings will be in a better position to win more than they lose. This is not a lost season. Nor should it be treated as one. It is a season critical to the rebuild of the team.