Rasmussen Woes Symbolic of Overall Red Wings Malady (+)

Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan’s description of Michael Rasmussen’s performance in Thursday’s 6-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks went beyond mere flattery.

“I thought Ras played his best game of the season . . . for a lot of different reasons,” McLellan said. “He looked confident, he looked big, strong, held on to pucks, and was physical. So for him, that’s a real big confidence booster.”

It was a performance that encapsulated all that can be beneficial from Rasmussen’s presence. At the same time, it was an entirely infuriating display, bringing about a very pertinent and persistent question.