Fansided

Game 2 Preview: Detroit Red Wings vs Carolina Hurricanes

By Nate Brown |
Jan 14, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) and Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) face off in the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) and Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) face off in the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Red Wings search for their first win after dropping their season opener 3-0 to Carolina Thursday night. 

So which Red Wings team will we see? Granted, it was a long layoff that saw a rusty Red Wings team sputter at times against a very good Carolina team. But will this team make some strides in their second game in three nights, or will it be more of the same?

3 Reasons for Hope

  • The Detroit News’ Ted Kulfan tweeted that Bobby Ryan is set to make his debut while Ansar Khan added a tweet of his own that Ryan might replace Frans Nielsen. This should be a boost for an offense that was non-existent Thursday night.
  • After what was a pair of anemic power play opportunities, it appears that the Red Wings will get a few new wrinkles in their man advantage according to the Detroit Free Press’ Helene St. James. She tweeted that Ryan worked in with Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Danny Dekeyser at practice. Wings fans were encouraged by the Ryan signing because of the offense he brings to the table. Here’s the first chance to see this on display.
  • The goaltending situation is already looking better than last season. In spite of being at the mercy of a ferocious Carolina forecheck, Thomas Greiss made 40 saves. The tandem with Jonathan Bernier should be more stable and give Detroit a more realistic chance of staying in games.

2 Reasons for Gloom and Doom

  • Until a final push from the Larkin line late in the third, the Red Wings offense was non existent for long stretches of the game. They spent more time chasing Carolina and unable to really apply any pressure or sustain that pressure. The Wings were kept on the outside and aside from a few crossbars and a post, the offensive attack left a lot to be desired. At this point, just fire the puck on net.
  • Carolina is one of many division teams that are superior to the Wings. I consider myself an optimist, but I’m also a realist. A “return” to the Central doesn’t exactly favor the Wings, and tonight will be an opportunity to see if we should expect more of the same, or that the team is in fact better than what we saw last year.

1 Final Thought 

I’m excited the Red Wings are back, knowing full well that this season is still very much a work in progress.  I look forward to being another voice for Red Wings analysis  in what is a passionate fan base and one that already has a host of great fan sites and podcasts.

LGRW!

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