Detroit Red Wings
The Daily: Are Red Wings Ready for Higher Expectations?; NHL Notes
The Detroit Red Wings’ 91-point season probably created both encouragement and frustration for Detroit’s fan base. They were undoubtedly disappointed that Coach Derek Lalonde’s team fell a point short of the postseason. On the other hand, fans can see this team is closing in on contention.
“There will be more expectations placed upon this team after missing this season’s playoffs via a tiebreaker,” Bob Duff wrote in his story about higher expectations. “That will lead to more pressure, more responsibility and more growth within the team. Will it all result in more wins? That’s the great unknown at this juncture.”
It’s a challenge the Red Wings have to embrace.
“Expectations for certain are going to change and that’s a positive,” Lalonde said. “Those expectations changed when we went 16-4-2 in February. Expectations changed when we started the season 5-1. Expectations changed when we won six straight.”
When it comes to this additional pressure to succeed, Lalonde says it’s all about perception. His players shouldn’t view it as stress, but rather a chance to shine.
“Don’t shy away from that,” Lalonde said of added expectations. “It’s reality. We want to grow somewhere. We’re going to grow. Of course, expectations are going to change as we keep building this and that’s all part of it.”
You want to play meaningful games to find out what your players are made of.
Lucas Raymond's last 32GP: 18G, 13A, 31PTS
Raymond in April: 8GP, 7G, 5A, 12PTS, +8
Safe to say the Red Wings have learned something about Raymond. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/Ybkvxue1gs
— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) April 17, 2024
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
- GM Steve Yzerman doesn’t have the cap space to bring back all of his free agents.
- Red Wings prospect Brady Cleveland used the transfer portal to move from Wisconsin to Colorado College. He’s a 6-foot-5 stay-at-home defenseman
- Nate Danielson is playing impressively to help Portland advance in the Western Hockey League playoffs.
- Paywall story: The Red Wings will continue to slow-cook the development of Axel Sandin Pellikka He probably will stay in Sweden for the 2024-25 season. To subscribe, please click here. To receive $10 off your subscription, use the promo code kevin10.
Red Wings Offseason
The Grand Rapids Griffins will open the Central Division Semifinals on the road Saturday with Game 1 against the Rockford IceHogs.Games 2 and 3 will be at Grand Rapids Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, May 1 and Friday, May 3. For the complete series schedule and ticket information, click here.
Hockey Now Network
Chicago: Could the Chicago Blackhawks move defenseman Connor Murphy this summer? CHN looks at the possibility.
Colorado: The big story in Game 2 was Alexandar Georgiev’s bounce-back game. Evan Rawal reports that his teammates had plenty of praise. Colorado Avalanche.
Philadelphia: Are the Philadelphia Flyers paying goalie Ivan Fedotov too much? Jonathan Bailey drills deep on the Russian goalie’s new deal.
Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski writes that the Pittsburgh Penguins have real problems and need to make some hard decisions.
San Jose: RFA Luke Kunin hopes to sign a long-term deal to stay with the San Jose Sharks.
Vegas: Coach Bruce Cassidy isn’t concerned about the Vegas Golden Knights‘ low shot total in Game 1 against Dallas, although he says offense is going to be point of emphasis now.