42 games down, only 40 left on the regular season schedule for the Detroit Red Wings. So, what a perfect time to do a review of the year up to this point.
RECORD: 18-14-10, 46 pts, 8th place in the Eastern Conference.
Its been a tumultuous first half for the Wings, where a combination of injuries and inconsistent play threatens to end its vaunted 22 consecutive season playoff appearance streak. Now, an argument could be made that the team has done quite well treading water while a large portion of the roster has been incapacitated.
However, that argument would be a losing one.
Detroit is trending in the wrong direction. All phases of their game are suffering, and although key players have missed time, there is more than enough talent to guide the team through these difficult times. We expect more from the Red Wings, and right now they have been underwhelming and quite disappointing. For the Wings to get into the playoffs this year, there must be a indelible impact made in certain aspects of their game. Here are a few of the players that must step up if the Wings plan on playing this Spring:
#1. Jimmy Howard- Goalie (6-9-8, 2.72 g.a.a.)
6 wins. That is all that Jimmy Howard has been able to provide for Detroit so far this season. Well, he was hurt for some time this year you say. Howard still started 23 games. Chipping in only 6 wins is far below the expectations a well-paid, and now U.S. Olympian, should be adding to his team. And its not like he's been the victim of some bad puck-luck. There have been various stretches this season where Jimmy Howard has looked completely lost. Watch some of the November games again. He was having a hard time tracking the puck, a complete mess handling the puck, and seems to have regressed in terms of rebound control. How many more times does he have to watch a puck go wide and have an opponent tap a goal into a wide open net until he figures out to stop moving so far out in front of his crease? Howard has been such a liability in net that Jonas Gustavsson supplanted him as the starter for a few games. The Monster has been much more effective posting 11 wins and a 2.39 g.a.a., whilst keeping the Wings from drowning with his stellar tending as Howard worked to find his game.
The next 4 months will be the most important in Howard's professional career. Between Detroit's fight for a playoff berth and his inclusion into this year's Winter Olympics, Howard's mettle will be put to the test. The knock I have on Howard is that his game suffers when there are distractions he is dealing with. Two years ago it was the contract negotiations that stymied his play, this year it's been the pressure of the U.S. Olympic selection. He has to be stronger mentally if Detroit is to have any chance making the post season this year. Howard has put the team on his back when necessary in the past. Remember, rolling off four consecutive wins to get the Wings into the playoffs last Spring? He has to be even better this year, or the Wings will be in bad shape and struggling to grab the 8th seed in the East.
#2 Niklas Kronwall- Defenseman (4 goals, 24 assists, +7)
Judging by stats alone, one would believe that Kronwall has been having a stellar year. But, if you examine a few layers further, there is something just a bit off with his game thus far. From here, it looks like Nik has lost a step or two. His offensive game is still top-notch, but it's been on the defensive zone that the Swede has been lacking. Noticeably, Kronwall has had a few issues in man coverage. Though never known for his speed, Kronwall had a Lidstrom-like ability to always maintain incredible body position on offensive attackers. A pick here, a subtle interference there. #55 found a way to keep the opposing team from swarming the net.
This season has been a different story. There's been a lack of positioning that has resulted in goals more often than not for the opponents. And not just body control either. His stick has been slumping, as well. Instead of keeping it low to deflect passes, Kronwall has been caught with it up around the waist of players, thus enabling them free rein to shoot on goal. Also, when is the last time you have seen anyone get Kronwalled? Nik, as the elder-statesman on the blue-line, is heavily relied upon by not only the coaching staff, but his teammates. He needs to be a steady and reliable hand as Detroit progresses this next half season.
#3 Darren Helm- Forward (7 goals, 4 assists, 16 games played)
By any measure, its been a tough season for Darren Helm. Widely expected to be a key contributor for the Wings this year, Helm's season has been marred by injuries. It's been one step forward and two steps back for the 26-year old from Manitoba. When he is on the ice, Helm has produced. A tough penalty killer and exceptional speedster, #43 adds a dimension that Detroit sorely lacks. But, unfortunately, he has spent more time on the IR than the score sheet. Mike Babcock loves what Helm brings to the table as a third-line center. Quite possibly, when healthy, the best in the NHL. There is the caveat though. Health. Something that has avoided Helm the last 2+ years. A healthy Darren Helm can be the difference between playoffs or no playoffs this season. And if he is unable to get right, the organization needs to seriously consider other options for the third-line center position not only now, but for the long-term. His speed and fore-checking changes the complexion of the Wings, a weakness that may prove too difficult to overcome without his presence in the lineup.
The three Wings above are instrumental in extending Detroit's playoff streak these next 40 games. However, the players listed below are reasons why the team still has hope:
1. Henrik Zetterberg (12 goals, 22 assists, +15)--1st half MVP
2. Daniel Alfredsson (11 goals, 19 assists, +8)---exceeded all expectations after coming over from Ottawa.
3. Jonas Gustavsson (11-3-2, 2.39 g.a.a., .914 save %)---best goalie currently on roster
Those players, and the coaching of Mike Babcock, have been invaluable for Detroit as they have fought their way through the first half. Teetering, but never toppling. Still grasping at the last playoff spot. With a mix of veteran and young talent, Babcock has orchestrated a solid performance under the circumstances.
Coach Babcock will have to rely on youth even more as the year progresses unless veterans, such as Daniel Cleary and Stephen Weiss, start producing. Luckily, the organization's prospects have gained valuable experience the last year and a half, and can be trusted a bit more come crunch time. Perfect example being Brendan Smith. Much-maligned for his play in the 2013 playoffs and early segment of this season, Smith is now on the top defensive pairing with Kronwall and improving each game. Players like Smith, Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist will have been a huge impact on how far the Wings go this year.
At the very least, it's been a roller-coaster season so far for Detroit. And you can bet, the next 40 games will be an exhilarating ride.
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