The Detroit Red Wings are surging at the right time, and one reason is that their depth scoring has finally come to life. James van Riemsdyk has led the charge with a goal in each of the last four games. Detroit is 3-0-1 in that span, and it's a strong indication that when depth forwards find the net, the Wings are a more complete team.
In their recent shutout win over the Vancouver Canucks, Detroit's lower-liners pulled through, with J.T. Compher, Andrew Copp, Nate Danielson, Marco Kasper, and Michael Rasmussen all getting on the stat sheet. Rookie blueliner Axel Sandin-Pellikka also skated away with two assists.
If the Wings' depth scoring keeps playing solid hockey, look for more convincing wins in the near future. And with the playoff race slowly but steadily taking form, Detroit needs to take advantage of every dominant performance that it can get.
Red Wings rookies have adjusted well in the season's early-going
Michael Coyle wrote a piece on Tuesday about the Red Wings' rookies looking like they belong in the NHL. Sandin-Pellikka has made major strides, and his two points from Monday night give him 10 on the season, putting him ninth on the team. Emmitt Finnie is also keeping pace with 14 points in 30 contests, while Nate Danielson has put up six so far in 15 games.
Nestor Quixtan talked about The Athletic's recent power ranking and where they pegged the Red Wings. Depth was one major issue behind The Athletic's ranking, but they may be changing their tune if the Wings' depth forwards show up a few more times. Quixtan also pointed out that the Wings' fourth line has been a solid group so far.
I discussed Moritz Seider's recent scoring surge, and how he ended up with 16 points in 13 contests prior to Monday night's win over the Canucks. Seider went pointless in that game, but, for the most part, he has held up well. Seider led all Wings skaters with 30 shifts and over 27 minutes of ice time in that win over Vancouver, finishing the game with one shot and a plus-1.
Gearing up for a meeting at the Saddledome
The Red Wings will try to extend their points streak to five on Wednesday night as they skate into Calgary to take on the Flames. Like the Canucks, the Flames are hanging out near the bottom of the NHL in points, but the Wings can't take them lightly if they want to keep their spot as one of the best teams in the Atlantic Division.
Calgary has had a tough time scoring all season and is 28th in the league in goals scored. But their recent 7-4 victory over the Buffalo Sabres will, without a doubt, give them some confidence.
These are the games Detroit has no excuse for if they lose. If this were last season's Red Wings, you could let it slide. But for a team that's finally looking like it's playoff-caliber, complete with brewing depth production and solid output from its rookies? This is a must-win contest.