Analysis: The Top 6 Red Wings Through 20+ Games

Feb 13, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Troy Stecher (70) celebrates with goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) after defeating the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Troy Stecher (70) celebrates with goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) after defeating the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
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Approaching the mid-season point, the Detroit Red Wings weathered an eight game winless streak and since that was snapped on February 7, the Wings are 5-6-1. During the stretch, but not only through the season, which Red Wings have been integral parts of the team grinding through another rebuilding year?

In no particular order (and with an honorable mention), Alex and I look at the top six Red Wings so far this season

Honorable Mention: Tyler Bertuzzi

While Bertuzzi has missed more games than he’s played this season with an undisclosed injury, there’s no discounting just how much the Red Wings missed Bertuzzi’s presence offensively as well as on the power play. It’s why he’s listed as an “honorable mention” since he’s missed more than he’s played. But if anything shows how much they’ve missed him, this is it.

After finally snapping an 0 for 40 drought that lasted 16 games, Bertuzzi was consistently the only Red Wing forward scoring on the man advantage. Since last playing on January 30, Bertuzzi was still (tied) as the team’s goals leader until Bobby Ryan passed him in Saturday’s 5-3 victory over Chicago. In just nine games, Bertuzzi had 9 points and was outproducing last season according to Evolving Hockey. 

Bertuzzi’s  Goals/60 is 1.7 and Pts/60 was 2.38, outperforming his last two seasons. Though it’s a smaller sample size, it isn’t a reach to say that not only would the Red Wings have won more games with Bert in the lineup, but that he would most likely be leading the team in goals and points if healthy.

 Robby Fabbri

Talk about a shot in the arm. Fabbri missed two weeks after being put in Covid Protocol but has eight points in his last eleven games. Often centering a line with Filip Zadina, the two have gelled well as the second line has had different members on the other wing throughout these last few weeks. Fabbri continues to impress after being acquired last season by Steve Yzerman.

Luke Glendening

What more can you say for a guy who has a faceoff-win percentage of 67.9%. Stop and read it again. 67.9%


Of all the contracts that Ken Holland handed out, this was his most reasonable one.  And it has paid off handsomely. Glendening is not going to light up the scoresheet, but he is going to be one the best defensive forwards and be a key specialist on the penalty kill. But winning seven out of every 10 faceoffs is just insane. There should be a lot of teams inquiring about him during the trade deadline if not already (which according to reports, it’s already happened).

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Dylan Larkin

Getting the C meant increased expectations for Larkin. The pressure has been relatively noticeable thus far, as Larkin has not really set the team ablaze in terms of points. However, especially in the last couple of weeks, there have been moments where his leadership has had a distinct effect on the ice.

Dylan Larkin is a competitor. Except for one game, every win has been the second game of a series; the team seems to put it back together after an initial loss. And this starts from the top down. He leads on and off the ice–especially with playing. a sound 200 foot game. Sitting this weekend only shows that he’s been playing with injuries for some time as well. This didn’t hinder him from sacrificing his body or having an effective back check.

Larkin is not performing at the level many fans expected him to this year – especially after receiving the C. 22 games into the season, Larkin has 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points. 22 games into last season, he scored 6 goals and 10 assists – a total of sixteen points. So has Larkin regressed in the scoring department? A bit, yes. But that’s not just a Larkin problem – that’s a team problem–not to mention, he’s one of the most responsible forwards in the defensive end.

Jonathan Bernier

One of the best players for the Red Wings this season has been goaltender Jonathan Bernier. Initially, the team was switching between Bernier and Thomas Greiss – but it became clear quickly that Bernier is playing at an elite level this season.

In multiple games thus far, Bernier has willed the team to victories, even in matchups where they were outshot handedly. His save percentage on the year is currently sitting at .918, and more importantly, his win loss record currently sits at 6-3.

A winning record and a save percentage over .900 are extremely impressive, especially for a team like Detroit. Keeping up with this sort of production for the rest of the season could be a key to the rebuild – giving the team the ability to win on any night.

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Bobby Ryan

What more can you say about him that hasn’t already been said? Ryan scored four goals in his first three games and instantly became one of the fan favorites of this team. It started with his admiration for Steve Yzerman as the reason he signed with the team while adding a spark on the ice whenever he’s out there.

Though his scoring has cooled since his torrid start, Ryan leads the team in points with 12 (6-6) and is a calming and veteran presence the team needs right now. Ryan, when considering that it’s possible he’s dealt at the deadline, has indicated he would be more than willing to return to Detroit next season.

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Troy Stecher

One of the biggest surprises so far this season has been how improved the team is on 5v5, partly due to a bolstered blue line.

Those improvements have been  buoyed by guys like Troy Stecher. Though his statistics aren’t eye-popping, it seems like Stecher is just about everywhere on the ice.

Stecher has been a solid presence on the blue line. When there’s a dangerous turnover, broken play, or an odd man rush, it seems to be Stecher that arrives just in time to stop disaster. His presence is felt all over the ice and he takes smart, calculated risks offensively–usually generating scoring chances as a result.

More. Should the Red Wings consider a change at head coach?. light

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