Detroit Red Wings preview: Starting life without Mike Babcock
2014-15 results: 43-25-14, third in Atlantic
Arrivals: Coach Jeff Blashill, D Mike Green, C Brad Richards and LW Eric Tangradi (free agents)
Departures: Babcock (joined Toronto Maple Leafs), C Stephen Weiss (buyout), D Marek Zidlicky (free agent)
Goaltending: Jimmy Howard (23-13-11, 2.44, .910) and Petr Mrazek (16-9-2, 2.38, .918) are competing to be No. 1. Based on last spring, Mrazek has to be the favorite. The Wings fed off his confidence. When he gives up a bad goal, he seems to dig in and play with more conviction. He’s a mentally tough competitor. Howard has had moments of excellence, enough of them that you can’t discount the possibility that he could win the No. 1 job again. However, he was not sharp late last season. Both could share the net.
Analysis: Blashill might face more pressure than any other coach in the NHL because he is succeeding a legend. Plus, he inherits the mission of extending the Red Wings’ 24-season playoff streak. The good news is he has inherited a Stanley Cup contender. Advanced statistics last season showe the Red Wings were maturing into a high-caliber team. The Wings should be in the top 10 in scoring, and their defense and goaltending have improved. Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist should combine for 50 goals. The only concern: Pavel Datsyuk (ankle surgery) will be out until November. Captain Henrik Zetterberg is healthy. Chronic back injuries seem to have slowed him a bit, but he’s still a smart, savvy competitor who finds ways to help his team every game. Green’s arrival will help Detroit’s transition game. The Red Wings were a dangerous power play team, and right-handed shot Green makes them more difficult to defend against.
What advanced stats say: Detroit ranked third in team Corsi rankings in 2014-15, just behind the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks.
Breakthrough candidate: The Red Wings have to decide whether winger Teemu Pulkkinen, 23, can be a top scorer. He can’t go to the minors without waivers.
Youngster to watch: C Dylan Larkin, 19, seems ready for the NHL. He didn’t look out of place playing against NHL players at last spring’s world championships. Given the crowded roster, he could start in the American Hockey League but should be in Detroit at some point. He’s a marvelous skater and has hockey sense beyond his years.
What the team really needs: Another top-level defenseman. The Red Wings have impressive prospects Xavier Ouellet, Alexey Marchenko and Nick Jensen, but none is projected to be a top pairing guy. The Green signing was important, but he’s on the back nine of his career.
Key question: How much will LW-C Johan Franzen contribute? He has been cleared to return after a concussion limited him to 33 games last season. Franzen, 35, had 22 points last season and has been a 30-goal scorer.
Forecast: With the talented Tampa Bay Lightning rightfully earning all of the attention, no one seems to have noticed that the Red Wings have developed into a threat to win the Stanley Cup. They will challenge the Lightning for the division title but end up in second.
PHOTOS: NHL preseason action