The Daily: Red Wings Adjusted in Faceoff Circle to Luke Glendening Departure

When Luke Glendening left the Detroit Red Wings to sign with the Dallas Stars as a free agent last summer, it was assumed his departure would critically hurt the Red Wings on draws.

But the Red Wings adjusted better than anticipated.

When Luke Glendening,  one of the league’s top faceoff artists, returns tonight to Little Caesars Arena for the first time as a member of the Stars he faces a Detroit team that is better on faceoffs than it was before he left.

The Stars improved from sixth in 2020-21 to second this season with Glendening on the team. Glendening ranks seventh in the NHL with a winning percentage of 58.6%. But the Red Wings have improved from 17th to 11th. Captain Dylan Larkin is at 54.7%.

Where the Red Wings have improved the most in Glendening’s absence is defensive zone faceoffs. He has taken 201 this season and won 52.2%. By contrast, Larkin has taken 132 and won 56.4%.  Detroit’s Michael Rasmussen has also been more successful than Glendening in defensive faceoffs. He has taken 194 defensive zone faceoffs and won 52.6%.

Trade Rumors

TSN is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers have talked to the Columbus Blue Jackets about Joonas Korpisalo. But in Marc-Andre Fleury is in the back of everyone’s mind

Around the NHL

Detroit: Lake of center depth prompted the Red Wings to claim Gamel Smith off waivers

Also,  Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff weighs in on what the Red Wings will do with Vladislav Namestnikov. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Boston:  Bruins respond to disappointing loss to the Carolina with a “character win” against the Washington Capitals.

Pittsburgh:  The Penguins have won 14 of their last 16 games , but they looked sloppy in Thursday’s 6-5 win against the Ottawa Senators. Mike Sullivan said the team needs more consistency.

Vancouver:  Who will start in net for Vancouver against the Florida because Thatcher Demko tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday. JT Miller also test positive.

Washington: Hockey Now’s Sammi Silber provides takeaways from the Capitals loss to the Boston Bruins.