The Daily: Can Red Wings Build On California Sweep?; NHL Rumors

Tim Robinson’s story about the Detroit Red Wings‘ California sweep makes it clear how important it is for a team that lost its way in December. It’s been 15 years since the Red Wings swept the California teams.

The last time it happened was 2008. The Red Wings won the Stanley Cup this season.

No one is suggesting the Red Wings are en route to a Stanley Cup. But good things did happen on this trip. The Red Wings regained their confidence. Alex Lyon made it clear he can carry the load. The Detroit group showed it can dig deep and pull out a victory.

They beat the Sharks 5-3 after David Perron netted the go-ahead goal with 1:30 remaining in regulation. They needed shootout goals by Lucas Raymond and Patrick Kane to down the Los Angeles Kings. Michael Rasmussen’s GWG came with 1:07 remaining in Detroit’s 3-2 win against Anaheim.

Clutch wins build confidence.

Coach Derek Lalonde brought up the importance of the sweep before the Anaheim game.

“We’re still trying to build here,” Lalonde said. “That was an opportunity to do something unique, especially for this group and I thought they bought in pretty well. Again, happy with the effort tonight, happy with the resilience throughout and just obviously a really good road trip.

We hear from Michael Rasmussen, who scored the game-winning goal with 1:07 left in the third, giving the Red Wings a 3-2 victory.#LGRW pic.twitter.com/U6PKDcBX4X

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) January 8, 2024

NHL Trade Rumors

Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman says the Ottawa Senators are the most aggressive team in the NHL when it comes to trade talk these days. They are looking for “pros” to help guide their top flight collection of talented young players.

No specific targets are mentioned in the story, but Friedman said the team has made it clear they are not ready to move any of their younger talent.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Michael Rasmussen nets the GWG in the Red Wings’ 3-2 win against the Anaheim Ducks. Detroit completes a three-game California sweep for the first time since 2008.
• Detroit prospects such as Jonatan Berggren, Albert Johansson and Carter Mazur, are carrying their weight during the Grand Rapid Griffins’ five-game winning streak.
• Red Wings prospect Anton Johansson is under fire for his behavior at the end of the World Junior Championships gold medal game. Johansson was on the Swedish squad.
• Sweeping the West Coast Trip was a good omen for the Red Wings

Red Wings Next Game

Captain Dylan Larkin’s Detroit squad (20-16-4) doesn’t play again until Thursday when it faces off against the Edmonton Oilers (20-15-1). This will be a challenging contest because the Oilers have won seven in a row. The streak has put the Oilers in a playoff position in the Western Conference.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: The banged-up Chicago Blackhawks looking to follow Colin Blackwell’s example in terms of his work ethic and determination.

Colorado: Evan Rawal writes that the majority of ex-Colorado Avalanche players who moved in the offseason — including J.T. Compher in Detroit — are playing well for their new teams.

Philadelphia: Travis Konecny has five shorthanded goals before the All-Star break. Could he become the fifth player in NHL history to register 10 or more in a season. Jonathan Bailey weighs in on that topic. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski looks at why it is very difficult for a younger players to make the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: What Jack Studnicka must do in the AHL to return to the San Jose Sharks‘ roster.