The Redwings are one of the best teams ever in hockey but these past years they have made it in to the playoffs they fall apart and lose in the first or second round. This year do they have it in them to go all the way?
The obvious answer right now is yes, given that they are 16 points ahead of any other team in the league.
But, you have to think that this team is missing something. Our special teams are only a little better than streaky, and our second line can hardly be depended on. That said, the depth performers from last year, Franzen, Cleary, and Filppula, could all suprise us again these playoffs. So, when it comes down to it, I think our biggest problem is our lack of size on defense. But, we have the trade deadline still, and we have plenty of cap space. I'd be very surprised if Holland doesn't at least address the problem of a good sized depth defender.
I also think he'll make a push to solidify the second line, maybe look at getting Prospal, or adding one of Forsberg, Sundin, or Hossa.
Anyways, I like our chances. Our system seems to work, and the players seem to have boughten into it even better than last year. Babcock is just a fantastic coach.
Goaltending is going to be a big key. Osgood and Hasek have both played well while splitting time. If an injury happens in goal, it will be a test as to whether or not the other can go night in night out and stay as consistent.
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Goalies: Okay as long as one is healthy. Movement: None.
Defense: Okay as long as Kronwall stays healthy. Depth Questionable. Movement: Pursue Veteran (Foote, Stuart, Blake, Modry).
Forward: Okay as long as Cleary returns and no "top-6" is hurt. Depth Very Questionable. Movement: Pursue Veteran Scorer (Sundin, Hossa, Tanguay, Prospal, Jagr, Holik, Arnott).
Most pressing need: I'll take the forwards I got and move on Defense. Getting a first-pass blueliner like Modry or Stuart, or Blake would be an excellent addition to the team, especially should Kronwall or another guy get hurt.
I think they do have it in them this year. As long as everyone comes back healthy and stays healthy. I thought Holland would have gotten some secondary scoring as well. Last season the Wings made it to the Western Conference Finals and got knocked out, in case you forgot.
Great move by Holland. Stuart is just about exactly what the Wings needed.
Judging by how the Wings have played since the Dallas game (1-0 loss), throughout this road trip, these guys have all the heart in the world. Playing 4 guys on a blue line with less than 50 combined games of experience is a difficult hurdle for any team to overcome, and while the Wings aren't winning, they are playing quite well (especially in Calgary and Edmonton.)
Scoring depth would have been nice, but not at cost. As it is, the Wings made the following moves:
Stuart and McCarty for a 2007 2nd Round Pick and 2008 4th Round Pick. With a healthy blue line and the return of Cleary, this team is better than it was in the Conference Finals last season.
Do they have it in them?
Do they have it in them?
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