Dylan Larkin #71, Detroit Red Wings Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathan Toews Giving the Chicago Blackhawks Options
Welcome to my third regular-season Red Wings Weekly Review. In week 3, the Detroit Red Wings played three games, with two being home games. The Red Wings won 2-1 against the Minnesota Wild, lost 8-3 on the road against the Buffalo Sabers, then were victorious against the Washington Capitals 3-1. For the week, the Red Wings went 2-1.
positive
- Winger Lucas Raymond broke out of his slump to score his first three goals of the season, with two being power play goals, bringing his offensive production to three goals and two assists for five points in 10 games. He continues to play a top-six role and produce, regardless of his linemates. Raymond has created space for himself and his teammates for an offensive opportunity. Raymond has been more patient with the puck than during the opening week.
- Although the line he started with has temporarily broken up, center Michael Rasmussen is making a name for himself on the Detroit Red Wings this season. His 200-foot game has improved, and he has added speed. He may not offensively produce like he would like to, but he does the little things that make him a success like winning board battles and playing the physical game. Rasmussen has come a long way since his struggles early in his career. He has one goal and five assists for six points in eight games.
- Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso has grabbed the number one spot because of his outstanding play so far. Although the defense had shaky moments this past week, Husso kept focused and played inspired hockey. In six games this season, he is 4-1-1, with a GAA of 2.17 and a save % of .937. He is full of confidence and is a brick wall between the pipes. Husso has earned the right to get most of the starts, as he has dominant.
negative
- The Detroit offense has not been consistent. Although they won two out of their three games this week, the Red Wings only scored eight goals in three games. The offense has to be better if Detroit wants to string some wins together to remain competitive in the Atlantic Division. The offense runs through captain Dylan Larkin and David Perron, and others have to step up.
- Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic should be better. Last season, he was spectacular behind a less-than-good defense, often stealing wins with his play. This season, he has not played the same And was in the net for the embarrassing 8-3 loss in Buffalo. Detroit needs Nedeljkovic to be a better goaltender to give Husso a night off and give the Red Wings confidence in both goaltenders again. Detroit needs him to step up to climb the standings.
- Old habits from years past crept back into the Detroit Red Wing’s play this past week. The defense looked lost and ran around in the defensive zone, especially in the Buffalo game. If Detroit wants a shot at the playoffs, they need to play as they did against Minnesota and Washington. The Detroit Red Wings need to play more of a physical, shutdown type of game to eliminate the mistakes of years past.
Weekly record: 2-1-0
Season record: 5-3-2
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