The Detroit Red Wings finally return home to Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night after a road trip everyone would like to forget. After dropping two games in Chicago last weekend, the Wings followed that up with two more losses to the Stars. As they come home to take on the Florida Panthers, many Detroit fans are left feeling like the Wings may never win another game.
Will the Offense Wake Up?
If you’ve been watching the Red Wings this year, then you know how frustrating it can be to see them on the attack. It’s frustrating at times when it feels like there’s no game-plan in the offensive zone. Through eight games, Detroit is averaging exactly two goals per game. That 2.00 GF/GP puts the Wings at 29th in the NHL.
Tyler Bertuzzi and Dylan Larkin are tied for the team lead in points with six each. Rising defensive star Filip Hronek is one behind with five. It’s nice to see young players who are expected to be major contributors to the rebuilding team living up to their expectations. Personally, I think the lack of offense comes down to coaching.
Even with a roster that has some exciting, emerging talent, Jeff Blashill just can’t seem to coach an offense. Since taking over as head coach in 2015-16, Blashill’s Red Wings have the lowest GF/GP average in hockey. The team has averaged just 2.46 goals per game under Blashill. One would think that a connection has to be made at some point. If this organization wants to unlock the full abilities of their up-and-coming talent, Jeff Blashill probably isn’t the best coach for the job.
Red Wings vs. Panthers
Like their previous matchup against the Dallas Stars, Detroit now faces a Florida Panthers squad that can score plenty. Playing just four games so far, the Panthers come to the Motor City with a 3-0-1 record. In those four games, Florida is averaging 3.75 goals. If they stay on that pace, it will be difficult for the Wings to keep up.
Second-year player Carter Verhaeghe is tied with veteran Patric Hornqvist for Florida’s team lead in goals with four each. Those two are standouts so far, but Florida’s scoring can come from a variety of places. In their first four games, eight different Panthers have scored at least one goal.
Thomas Greiss should likely be the starter in net for Detroit on Saturday night. However, it is refreshing to see that second goaltender Jonathan Bernier’s upper-body injury which caused him to leave Thursday’s game early is reportedly nothing serious. So Bernier may be available to start Sunday in the second leg of this back-to-back series. Puck drop is set for 7:00pm EST in Detroit on Saturday with game two on Sunday at 5:00pm EST.
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