The Daily: Red Wings Depth Put to the Test; Tatar Finally Scores

The Detroit Red Wings injury/suspension struggle is a reminder that general manager Steve Yzerman’s work to improve the team’s depth is still a work in progress.

Bob Duff’s story points out the Red Wings put in a decent effort against the Dallas Stars, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the reality that they are playing without injured Dylan Larkin, J.T. Compher and Klim Kostin, plus suspended David Perron. That’s 24 goals removed from their lineup. That’s 24% of the team’s offensive production. In a league where the margin between failure and success is razor thin, that’s a significant number of missing goals.

An update on Dylan Larkin. pic.twitter.com/JxRBaFgxzz

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 11, 2023

The Red Wings promoted Jonatan Berggren from Grand Rapids. He scored in the 6-3 loss to the Stars. He may help. Berggren has performed well in the American Hockey League. He has posted five multiple-point games and boasts 15 points in 16 games for the Griffins. Is he ready for a permanent spot in Detroit’s lineup?

Do they have room for him?

But he’s not going to solve all of their depth issues. That’s another reason for David Perron to appeal his six-game suspension for attempt to injury (Ottawa’s Artem Zub).

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Former Detroit Red Wings assistant coach Tony Granato has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
• Bob Duff stirred up plenty of emotion with his column about the Dylan Larkin situation being an indictment of the NHL’s rules.
• Filip Zadina hasn’t been able to take his game to the next level with the San Jose Sharks.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings take a three-game losing streak into St. Louis tonight to play the Blues. St. Louis has also lost three games in a row.  Will we see Ville Husso in net against his former St. Louis team?

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Jimmy Murphy writes that coach Jim Montgomery is doing it right with how he is handing out rookie Matthew Poitras’ playing time. Boston Bruins.

Chicago: Nate Brown looks at whether the waiver wire really offers teams any true help? This comes as the Chicago Blackhawks place Boris Katchouk on waivers Monday.

Florida: Defenseman Erik Gudbranson is suspended one game for slamming Nick Cousins to the ice. Colby Guy has the details. Florida Panthers.

Montreal: Which four teams need to acquire a Montreal Canadiens goalie? Marc Dumont offers his thoughts. The Detroit Red Wings are not on the list.

New Jersey: Tomas Tatar, who scored 20 goals last season for the New Jersey Devils, netted his first goal of the season in his 28th game with the Colorado Avalanche.

Pittsburgh: GM Kyle Dubas offered a strong vote of confidence for Mike Sullivan remaining as the Pittsburgh Penguins coach.