5 Red Wings players who must bring their A-Game in February to keep playoff hopes alive

The Detroit Red Wings could make their first playoff appearance in quite a while, but they will need a strong February to keep their momentum going.

Jan 25, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) celebrates after
Jan 25, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) celebrates after | Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Let’s see Moritz Seider take his play to an elite level

Before anything else, this section is not a critique of Moritz Seider, who has played extremely well in 2023-24. But Seider has also played like the Calder recipient that he was nearly two seasons ago.

If he takes his play up another notch, it will elevate this entire Red Wings team. No, Detroit wasn’t very good when he won the Calder, but that has since changed. So now is the time for Seider to officially take the next step. 

Again, he hasn’t been bad, as Seider has scored 26 points and six goals in 50 games, giving him between 42 and 43 points when the regular season ends at his current pace. He’s also put up an incredible 13 points on the man advantage, and he is always invading scoring lanes and making opponents think twice before they skate near him, given his physical play. 

But as things stand, Seider is an elite talent who has yet to play at an elite level, and he is a player who should find himself in contention to win the Norris Trophy. Instead, he’s playing slightly below that tier, but if he improves his play for the next two months, Detroit will be scary. 

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference as of February 7th)

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