Red Wings Shuffle Lines

Coach Jeff Blashill after 3 straight losses and a couple bad performances, has shuffled the lines a bit. 

According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, GM Ken Holland said Brad Richards is out with an upper-body injury and is headed back to Detroit for tests. While Defenseman Jakub Kindl is a healthy scratch and Brendan Smith will replace him. Kindl really didn't look good against the Oilers so this was expected. Hopefully these changes can spark this Wings team as they take on the Calgary Flames at 9:00pm tonight. 

Wings fan reaction (WFR) videos!

If you have a couple minutes and would like to check out some Red Wings related videos, check out my YouTube page! I'm doing Red Wings fan reaction videos after every game and will also be doing videos on any NHL topic that may come up during the season. Give me some feedback and I will do anything to make the videos better! 

Here is a link to the most recent video from the game against Edmonton:  https://youtu.be/T8DRrE9VgNs

Thank you! 

10 Random NHL Thoughts.

I think I'm going to make this a weekly thing, I'm not sure. But here are 10 random, possibly (probably) dumb thoughts on topics in the NHL. 

1. The Columbus Blue Jackets who are now 0-8-0 made a panic move and fired coach Todd Richards and replaced him with John Torterella. Who apparently benched star Ryan Johansen in his first game as coach. Oh, and they lost. Great start. 

2. The Anaheim Ducks who were favored by many to win the Stanley Cup, are now playing so badly, they are considering a coaching change. Potential Randy Carlyle reunion anyone? 

3. The Dallas Stars are doing exactly what most people thought they would do last year. Dominating. I pray for the opposing goalie who has to play against Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. 

4.  The LA Kings are actually out scoring the Anaheim Ducks. I'm not kidding. 

5. I think the Habs forgot how to lose games. At a pretty nice 7-0-0 record they are the best team in the NHL. Oh, Carey Price is still really good too. 

6. Crosby went 5 games without a point and the hockey world went into a frenzy. Crosby then puts up a 3 point night and all is right in the world. 

7. Blake Wheeler is leading the Jets in scoring. Another top 10 draft pick the Bruins traded away. I guess to be good in the NHL, just hope the Bruins pick you in the top 10 and trade you. Works every time.

8. Ovechkin has scored 3 goals in 3 games. I guess he really can score goals in his sleep.... I'll see myself out. 

9. The Avs continue to struggle and they do have a nice little verteran with the last name Iginla who hasn't won a cup. Free up some cap space Ducks... 

10. The Chicago Blackhawks continue to find ways to replace traded talent. Artemi Panarin leads all NHL rookies in points with 7. A KHL signee, too. 

Red Wings- 3 Hurricanes- 5

(Photo from mlive.com) 

The Carolina Hurricanes defeat the Detrot Red Wings 5-3 for the Wings first loss of the season. This game can be summed up with one word: karma. The result of this game is basically what the result of last Saturday's game should have been. 

For the second time in consecutive meetings the Hurricanes just flat out outplayed the Wings. 55 seconds in, Hurricanes rookie Brock McGinn in his first career NHL game gets his first career NHL goal after getting his own rebound and putting it past Jimmy Howard. 

The Canes would eventually jump out to a 3-0 lead early in the second until the Wings (just like last Saturday) score two quick ones to make it 3-2 and put them right back in the game. The jolt of energy the Wings got from those goals just didn't really hold up and they eventually would lose 5-3. 

All night the Red Wings defense was soft, and out of position. Howard gave up a few rebounds that he probably shouldn't have but the D was just no where to he found. Brenden Smith had a terrible game as he just didn't look like he knew what he was doing out there. All and all a lackluster effort from the Wings gave them the result they probably deserved. Chalk it up to them potentially not taking the Canes very serious and looking past them to the Montreal Canadiens who are 5-0 for the first time in their long, historic franchise history. As stated above, the next taste of Wings action is tonight against the undefeated Canadiens at 7:00 pm. 

Franzen placed on short term IR

GM Ken Holland announced today that forward Johan Franzen has been placed on short term IR with post concussion symptoms. Franzen who has suffered at least 3 concussions during his playing career has been limited the last two seasons due to concussion issues. Last season Franzen talked about how bad his symptoms were saying that he would sleep 16-20 hours and his headaches were so bad he couldn't even play with his children. 

While this move now creates a roster spot for Darren Helm who is now doubtful for the weekend, it puts Franzen's career in a bit of doubt. Head injuries are a major topic these days and rightfully so. Franzen has said he wants his career to end on his terms. Who knows what this means for his future but hopefully this isn't how it ends for the Wings forward. Wings fans are certainly pulling for you, Mule. 

Who Wins the Calder Trophy?

In a year where it looks like the phrase "young mans game" really looks like it's coming into full effect with the likes of Buffalo's Jack Eichel, Edmonton's Connor McDavid, Detroit's Dylan Larkin and more taking the league by storm, the race for the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year may end up closer than ever before. Here are the cases for some of the leagues best rookies. 

Connor McDavid (EDM): Most likely everyone's odds on early favorite, McDavid although pointless in his first two games, McDavid has had an alright start. He's been one of Edmontons best players, he's show he has a high hockey IQ, and good speed. He's a bit weak in the face off department but that's something he can work on. As long as he continues to play as hard as he has in the first couple games, the points will eventually follow.

Jack Eichel (BUF): Most people's early choice for runner up, Eichel has been very impressive early on. He scored his first career goal in his first career game going top shelf and showing his shooting ability. His second goal was more of the same. Eichel's speed and shooting ability is certainly a deadly combination that can very easily get him some hardware.

Dylan Larkin (DET): A guy that wasn't expected to even be in the NHL this season, Larkin impressed so much in camp and preseason that the Wings management had no choice but to keep him on the NHL roster. So far, he hasn't disappointed. With two points in his NHL debut (a pretty nifty goal too) Larkin has 3 points in 2 games and leads the NHL in plus minus being a +6. Playing with the likes of Henrik Zetterberg can certainly give him an edge. He's shown his playmaking ability, speed, and the way the puck just seems to follow him around make a pretty good case for the Calder. 

Atremi Panarin (CHI): Another guy that not many expected to be in this conversation, Panarin has gotten off to an incredibly hot start. With 2 goals and 2 assists in 3 games, Panarin has shown the skill set he has. Having played in the KHL for 5 years where he put up good numbers, GM Stan Bowman was able to get him in a 2 year entry level deal. At 23 years of age he's a bit older than most rookies so maybe that also gives him a bit of an edge. Oh, and playing with that Patrick Kane guy helps too. 

I'm sure there are some guys I missed. Who do you think will win the Calder? Who do you think will even be in the race?

Helms Inevitable Return, Means Big Decisions Ahead

Red Wings forward Darren Helm looks as if he is ready to return to the lineup as in practice today, he is wearing a white jersey instead of a gray one (usually worn by the scratches). While great news for the Wings based on what he can bring to  the table, it also means that for him to play, they need to clear a roster spot. With the likes of Teemu Pulkkinen, Tomas  Jurco, Landon Ferraro, and Jokiam Andersson all needing to be put on waivers to be sent down, the Wings have a big decision to make very soon. They will either have to try and trade someone, or expose them to waivers and risk losing them for nothing. Who stays, who goes?

Teemu Pulkkinen: Pulkkinen who made his NHL debut last season and played decently well, was a guy that GM Ken Holland said would for sure be on the NHL roster come the beginning of the season. So far, Pulkkinen has 2 goals on the year which both came against Carolina. His goal scoring ability is his biggest strength. He has an incredible shot and certainly doesn't pass up a chance to shoot the puck. With his massive offensive potential, the Wings really should keep him and they probably will. 

Landon Ferraro: Son of NHL analyst Ray Ferraro, Landon is a great asset to have. His speed and defensive ability are his biggest strengths. Landon last year was on the NHL roster for a few games after being exposed to waivers and going unclaimed and played the entire series against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the playoffs. With his speed and defensive capabilities, the Wings shouldn't test waivers again for him. He would probably be picked up this time.

Joakim Andersson: Andersson really had his best season in 2013 when he played with Gus Nyquist and Damien Brunner. Since then he hasn't been quite as good but is still a very serviceable player. More of a defensive type, and a strong penalty killer, Andersson is another player the Red Wings should keep if they can.

Tomas Jurco: Quite possibly the guy on this list who people had the highest hopes for. A former 2nd round pick in 2011, Jurco was once thought to be a great offensive prospect. So far, his talent hasn't translated to the NHL very well. Last season he spent a lot of time in Babcocks' dog house and played only 36 games while putting up 15 points. Many believed that bringing Blashill in meant a chance for Jurco to get his game going with a fresh start yet he's been a healthy scratch for both games so far and it looks like that is going to continue. He most likely would be picked up on waivers so trade would be the better scenario but what value could the Wings get on the trade market for Jurco? If someone has to go, it should be Jurco.