Detroit Red Wings Preview: It’s Home Sweet Home

The Detroit Red Wings kick off a six game home stand that begins with the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks, as you’ll most likely remember, took both games in Chicago three weeks ago, and since then, sit at 7-5-4, tied for the final playoff spot in the Central Division. Buoying the Blackhawks has been a power play operating at a sizzling 34.7%.

The Red Wings, who haven’t exactly had the best of times on specialty units, might want to avoid putting the Blackhawks on the man advantage. They just swarm—as seen here from a game against Carolina:

Leading the way for Chicago is of course Patrick Kane while Michigan native Alex DeBrincat has helped spark the offense since returning from Covid Protocol.

The Red Wings will need continued secondary scoring

Goals from Adam Erne and Luke Glendening set the stage for the Red Wings 4-2 victory over Nashville Saturday night.  They’ll need more of that and it’s more than likely that head coach Jeff Blashill will not be making any changes to the lineup, especially with the aforementioned success of the fourth line. And how about Luke Glendening? Three points, one of which was a goal. (Backhander of course).

If the power play could get hot, that could also go a long way as they wait for Tyler Bertuzzi to return. Robby Fabbri has goals in consecutive games, while Anthony Mantha uncorked a beautiful wrister.

Goaltending has been the least of Detroit’s issues, with the tandem of Thomas Greiss and Jonathan Bernier providing stability they haven’t had in quite some time.

The real key is staying out of the box. Giving the Hawks too many opportunities on the power play will be lethal for the Wings trying to get consecutive wins for the first time this season.

And if anyone is due for a goal, and deservedly so, it’s Troy Stecher. That and a victory over Chicago would make for a great way to close Monday night.