October 7, 2014
Red Wings 2014-15 Season Preview
Detroit, MI-
Probable Line Parings
FWD 1: Nyquist - Datsyuk - Taresenko
FWD 2: Abdelkader - Zetterberg - Franzen
FWD 3: Tatar - Helm - Clutterbuck
FWD 4: Wolski – Weiss – Frolik
There isn’t much change among the top six forwards coming into this season and one can expect solid chemistry among these lines. The third and fourth lines though bring with them three players who will be donning the winged wheel for the first time on opening night. The first couple weeks of the season should tell Mike Babcock where the chemistry is. Fans can expect to see the head coach shuffle guys around throughout the season until he hits the right combination.
DEF 1: Kronwall - Quincey
DEF 2: Smith - Kindl
DEF 3: Ericsson – DeKeyser
All six of the Wings’ blue liners return from last season. This will likely be the Red Wings strongest area as the season gets under way as each player is capable of highlight reel hits and offensive contribution as well. It will be up to the Wings’ opponents to crack this impressive defensive corps.
Goalies: Elliot – Mrazek
Brian Elliot is coming off of a magical Stanley Cup run and was rewarded for his efforts with multi year deal in the offseason, he’ll be expected to prove he’s worth the money. In the back up role Petr Mrazek will make his NHL debut this season. The team doesn’t expect him to set the world on fire with his play but he’s been very productive in the minors and now is his time to step up.
Given the lack of goalie depth in the franchise this could be a trouble position. If Elliot hits an extended cold streak and Mrazek isn’t ready for the pros the team will have to hit the trade market for a backstop.
AHLers To Watch For
The Red Wings continue to have one for the most loaded minor league systems in the NHL and fans can expect to see the benefits of that this season. Center Riley Sheahan is expected to be called up and log major minutes with the Wings along with Center Joakim Andersson. Young defenseman Brian Lashoff will start the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins but is expected to be called up should the need for an extra body on the blue line arise.
Sources within the organization are saying wingers Tomas Jurco, Teemu Pulkkinen and defensemen Xavier Oulett are all a year or more away from being contributors in the NHL but will provide lots of excitement in Grand Rapids this season.
Defending Cup Champs
No one in the organization has shied away from the fact that repeating as Stanely Cup Champions is an incredibly difficult task, completed only twice since 1990.
“We know the target will be on our back all season.” Mike Babcock commented. “Opposing teams will say ‘hey we’re going up against the champs tonight so lets step it up big time’ but we’re excited for the opportunity.”
“Just like any other season our goal starting out the year is to win the Stanley Cup.” Captain Henrik Zetterberg said. “If anything it gives us more drive to keep it here in Detroit rather than let someone else take it.”
Raising Banners
The Red Wings first game of the season is at home October 11th against the Florida Panthers and will feature a brief ring ceremony followed by the raising of the franchise’s 12th Stanley Cup Championship banner.