With Jakub Vrana in the lineup last night, The Detroit Red Wings looked like a sleeker and faster team. In Monday’s win over Carolina, the Red Wings looked better than usual but Thursday night’s victory against Chicago featured a team playing a much faster game with crisper passes and taking more chances on offense.
Vrana certainly helped that. His goal on a breakaway not only demonstrated that speed but also his ability to finish, something this team desperately needs. For all the jokes about Darren Helm‘s inability to score on a breakaway, it’s hardly a laughing matter that few on the roster have been able to score goals like that.
A Change the Red Wings Needed, Too?
After Anthony Mantha notched his second goal in as many games with the Washington Capitals, it’s evident that maybe a change was needed for him. Perhaps the same could be said for the Red Wings. Steve Yzerman‘s team in Tampa Bay was built through speed and skill up front and Vrana certainly boasted both in his debut Thursday night. But it also seemed that the rest of the team fed off of it. There were more odd man chances, quicker transitions up the ice, and at one point, the Red Wings speed and skill kept the Hawks on the ice for a long shift mid way through the third period. It might just be the eye test, but as Yzerman brings in those players who fit his scheme, it’s exciting to think of what this team could be.
The Red Wings Winning Ways Continue
For the first time since December 2019, the Red Wings have a three game winning streak. Late during the 2018-19 season, Detroit ripped off a seven-game winning streak that was fun at the time, but ended up hurting the Wings’ chances at the taking Jack Hughes first overall. (Though that Moritz Seider guy Yzerman picked seems to be just fine).
Seeing the Red Wings dominate stretches of a game with more jump and speed is something fans will certainly enjoy viewing more.
Welcome to Detroit, Jakub.