The Detroit Red Wings finally proved they could bounce back quickly after taking a bad loss in that win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. Now, they're heading to Newark for a one-off road game against the New Jersey Devils before they play in a pair of home games, and this is one pivotal matchup.
New Jersey has lost three straight and will be without star scorer Jack Hughes for this one as he continues to recover from a hand injury suffered not on the ice, but at a team dinner. But New Jersey isn't a team you underestimate, as they still have a slew of stars that include Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Dawson Mercer, Jesper Bratt, Simon Nemec, and Luke Hughes.
The Devils have had a tough time scoring consistently this season, with just 65 goals in 21 games, and the Wings must find a way to keep that inconsistency going. If the Wings can end up winning this one, they'll return home with momentum that they'll need for a showdown vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning looming on Nov. 28, but not before the face the Nashville Predators on Nov. 26.
Cam Talbot trade rumors persisting?
With Cam Talbot emerging as the clear-cut better netminder for the Red Wings, goaltending-needy teams have taken notice. But to be real, general manager Steve Yzerman has exercised the art of common sense, so it's doubtful you'll see the Wings trade Talbot unless Yzerman's trying to start a fan revolt.
As of Monday, Talbot has a 0.899 save percentage, a solid 2.66 GAA, an outstanding 0.700 quality starts percentage, and a sparkling 9-2 record. Gibson's numbers are night and day, with a 0.870 save percentage, a 3.46 GAA, a 0.333 quality starts percentage, and a 4-6-1 record.
Simply put, trading Talbot isn't happening unless Gibson starts playing like a Vezina contender. But even then, it wouldn't make sense to trade him.
Max Plante dominating the college ranks
With the Yzerplan having catapulted the Red Wings to first place after the quarter-season mark with an imperfect team, fans should have visions of what the Wings will look like when the entire young core is intact.
Max Plante is one of those players who will be in Hockeytown to see it through. Considering the sheer dominance Plante has enjoyed with Minnesota-Duluth, it might be sooner rather than later. Plante's 13 goals and 26 points have been epic, and he just needs to keep doing what he's doing.
Plante would join a core that includes Emmitt Finnie, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Albert Johansson, Moritz Seider, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, Nate Danielson, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and Sebastian Cossa, among others. This team is getting deeper as the prospects and youngsters keep earning their stripes.
Overall, there's a lot to be excited about should the Wings take Monday's game over the Devils. As for the teams supposedly inquiring about Talbot, brush it off. It's hard to see a situation where Yzerman would realistically move him. And keep an eye on Plante, because all signs point to a run at the Hobey Baker Award.