Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings Stock Index: Hot Wings Not Cooling
Though the Detroit Red Wings lost another player to injury, they’re sitting at 7-3-2 which is their best start since the 2010-11 season when they were 8-3-1 after 12 games. Then, it was Pavel Datsyuk, and Henrik Zetterberg leading the charge.
A decade later, it’s Dylan Larkin and Dominik Kubalik, along with a number of Red Wings, pushing Detroit into the win column.
It’s been a rebuild in Detroit for some time. But they’re certainly making a case that they’re ready to move past it.
Here are some of the names who have been moving the needle for the Red Wings as of late.
Lucas Raymond
A week ago he found the scoresheet. Since then he’s tallied four goals in five games, and certainly looks every part of a fearsome goal scorer again. Raymond even dished a hit out that riled the Islanders up.
Everyone gets involved after Lucas Raymond lands a big hit on Mat Barzal. pic.twitter.com/RxeWp5UisK
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 5, 2022
Raymond’s short drought–coupled with his quick return–should ease any worries fans had about a sophomore slump. There will be ups and downs but Raymond showed again that he is the real deal.
Ville Husso and David Perron
It sure looks like Steve Yzerman may have fleeced the St. Louis Blues again. Husso pitched his second shutout of the season Saturday afternoon and has been stellar for Detroit with a .941 save percentage. The tandem with Alex Nedeljkovic gives the Red Wings a formidable duo this season.
Perron, meanwhile, has been the smart, savvy veteran Detroit needs as they climb out of the rebuild. Perron continues to contribute offensively, and zipped the puck to Kubalik for the game winner yesterday. Signed after St. Louis let him walk, Perron has been a major asset and continues to make the smart plays that lead to victories.
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Dominik Kubalik
Another player scooped up by Yzerman from a team that no longer wanted his services, Kubalik is tied for the team lead in points with Larkin. Kubalik’s 15 points are nearly halfway to his total of 32 last season. The conventional thinking was that Kubalik could re-discover the scoring touch and offensive prowess he had his first season in Chicago.
With the game-winner to his name after the comeback victory over the New York Rangers, Kubalik is making his deal look like an absolute steal. It’s also seeming likely, barring any disasters, that Kubalik is well on his way to surpassing his career high of 46 points back in 2019-20.
NO QUIT IN THESE RED WINGS! pic.twitter.com/Vq7TJNndKY
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 7, 2022
Dylan Larkin
He keeps making the index every time, but it’s for good reason. There hasn’t been a game yet this season, even in losing efforts, where Larkin hasn’t been noticeable.
Beyond his work on the scoresheet, Larkin has been leading by example on the ice, whether it’s blocking shots, coming to the aid of a teammate, or standing in front of the media after a tough loss. The captain was chosen by Yzerman, who weathered his own share of storms during his career before finally reaching the summit.
It’s been some time since Larkin has been on a winning Red Wings team. He’s doing the little–and big things–to get them back there.