Detroit Red Wings Blue Line Report for the Week of October 23
By Steven Shaw
A Look at the Detroit Red Wings’ fifth game of the season: Anaheim Ducks
Low-stress and easy wins have been a rarity for the Detroit Red Wings over the last several years. These games are underrated; games that are not close allow ice time to be managed and confidence to be gained.
Once the five-on-three penalty was killed in the first period, this game was over. There was not much pressure placed on the defense as the Wings dominated.
Detroit Red Wings: Game Five Individual Reports
Ben Chiarot – Grade B. Physically intimidating opponents is new for the Detroit Red Wings. Chiarot leads the way.
Moritz Seider – Grade B+. Seider does so many things well that his ability to anticipate attacks and have his stick in passing lanes is underestimated. There may be no better defenseman in the league at killing two-man advantages. He stepped in when aggression was aimed at the young giant, Soderblom. But no one wanted to engage with Moritz. He took the roughing penalty but completely intimidated the entire Ducks team. Moritz and Seider are menaces out there. Red Wings fans are completely on board for this.
Filip Hronek – Grade B. Outstanding quarterbacking of the power play. Four assists in six games is an excellent start. His shot and man-on-man defense are weak, but skating and passing the puck are first-rate.
Ollie Määttä – Grade B+. The Red Wings have a quality second pair. Maatta continues to impress. He is always in position and often covers for Hronek. He gets himself in the perfect position to receive a pass when Hronek is looking to break out of the zone. The pairing is gaining confidence and chemistry.
Gustav Lindstrom – Grade B. A fine bounce-back game after a poor previous two games. He was not pressured much, but he looked more confident than in previous games.
Next. A Brief Word on Jakub Vrana. dark
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Robert Hägg – Grade B. The third-pairing defensemen do not have to be stars. Hagg is not a star, but he is a pro. Tough, big, and in position. A steady force on the third line.