The Daily: Happy Birthday! Bertuzzi Out of Slump; Tanev Traded

Former Detroit Red Wings player Tyler Bertuzzi celebrated his 29th birthday this week by pulling himself out of a torturous scoring slump.

After going 19 games without a goal, Bertuzzi now has five goals in his past six games. That included a hat trick at Colorado on his birthday. He has nine shots over his past two games. Bertuzzi now has 12 goals and is on pace for 15 or 16 goals. That’s certainly a better projection than he had a week ago.

Bertuzzi’s rejuvenation comes at a good time for the Maple Leafs who are trying to hold off the Red Wings for third place in the Atlantic Division. The Maple Leafs have a two-point lead over Detroit with a game in hand.

What hasn’t changed for Bertuzzi is his plus-minus. He is -3 in his past six games. Bertuzzi has gone 12 games without a “plus” game. The Maple Leafs have won nine of those games.

Goal No. 100 for Tyler Bertuzzi gets the Buds on the board! 👏 pic.twitter.com/7ssZ0C2tfI

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 25, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Bob Duff writes about how the Detroit Red Wings may be getting a boost from the Detroit Lions playoff success. Coach Derek Lalonde hopes he can persuade Lions coach Dan Campbell to visit the team.
• Lalonde expects the New York Islanders to play with urgency against the Red Wings tonight.
• Why the Red Wings may not be in line in the Jake Guentzel Sweepstakes.
• Paywall story: Tim Robinson explores why the Grand Rapids Griffins have been able to put together a 16-game points streak. Detroit Hockey Now is in the midst of a campaign to increase our subscriptions. If you want our paywall stories, our national paywall stories, and no advertising on your browsing, all you need do is sign up  To subscribe, click here: to get $10 off, use the promo code kevin10.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings are home to face the New York Islanders tonight (7 p.m.). Patrick Kane takes a nine-game points (5-9-14) streak into the game. Kane has 30 points (12-18-30) overall in 28 games. Alex Lyon will start in goal.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Jake DeBrusk, a potential summer UFS, confirmed that contract talks with the Boston Bruins have stalled.  That gives the Boston Bruins a decision to make before the March 8 NHL trade deadline.

Calgary: The Flames acquired prospect defenseman Artem Grushnikov, a 2024 second round pick, and a conditional third round pick in 2026 (if Dallas reaches the Stanley Cup Final). The Flames kept 50% of Tanev’s salary and the New Jersey Devils accepted another 25% in exchange for a fourth-round pick from the Stars. Calgary Flames. 

Chicago: Nate Brown writes that the Chicago Blackhawks’ record and schedule puts them in a good position for the draft lottery.

Montreal: Marc Dumont explains in detail how the Swiss National League playoff scenario will impact prospect David Reinbacher’s arrival in North America. Montreal Canadiens. 

Philadelphia: Jonathan Bailey writes that the Tanev trade doesn’t rule out the possibility of the Philadelphia Flyers receiving a first rounder for Sean Walker.

Pittsburgh: ESPN is reporting that the Jake Guentzel asking price is “sky high.”  No one should be surprised. The Pittsburgh Penguins undoubtedly are hoping this deal can be a major boost to their retooling.