The Detroit Red Wings achieved a .500 record after a dominant third period against the Philadelphia Flyers last Wednesday. This milestone is significant as it is the first time the team has reached this mark after the All-Star break since their last playoff appearance in the 2015-16 season.
Although there is still a considerable distance to reach the finish line and numerous potential outcomes to ponder, it is worth noting that the Red Wings have shown relevance and become a formidable opponent in the NHL season thus far. This marks a significant departure from the team’s performance over the past five years, which fans have grown accustomed to.
The victory in Philadelphia showcased the positive aspects of the team’s performance thus far. Dylan Larkin’s exceptional play ignited Detroit’s scoring, while Lucas Raymond and the second line, led by Tyler Bertuzzi, provided the necessary boost to push Detroit past their challenges. Furthermore, rookie defenseman Moritz Seider not only contributed two points but also displayed an impressive penalty kill that was worthy of a highlight reel.
How much progress have the Wings made this season? Can their rookie stars win the Calder Trophy?
Red Wings rookies making big contributions
First, let’s discuss the impressive newcomers: Raymond, Seider, and the goaltender, Alex Nedejlkovic.
Over the past years, the Red Wings have often found solace in the scoring achievements of prospects and rookies, particularly Filip Zadina, despite facing numerous losses. However, this season has witnessed a significant shift as the team’s rookies have consistently emerged as crucial contributors in their victories, ultimately leading to a slight increase in the frequency of wins.
With 38 points in 49 games, Raymond is the leading rookie scorer in the NHL, holding a five-point advantage over Trevor Zegras in second place.
Seider’s impressive scoring tally of 32 points surpasses all other rookie defensemen, but it’s important to note that his exceptional defensive contributions have greatly bolstered Detroit’s uncertain blue line.
In terms of save percentage (.910) and wins (14), Nedeljkovic is currently leading all rookie goaltenders who have made at least 20 starts.
Calder Trophy odds
There is much to discuss regarding the implications of this for the team moving forward. However, considering the anticipation of Red Wings fans regarding Calder Award prospects prior to the season, let’s focus on that aspect.
Now might be the opportune moment to consider cashing out if you had placed a bet on Raymond to win the NHL’s Rookie of the Year award with odds exceeding +2000 (previously at +3400 during preseason).
Although he maintains a solid advantage in points, Raymond (+250) is currently lagging behind Zegras in the Calder odds (+195) at FanDuel Sportsbook MI.
As of Monday morning, Raymond was the favored player at DraftKings Sportsbook MI with odds of +225. Zegras followed closely at +250, while Seider stood at +300. However, Seider’s odds at FanDuel were higher, set at +550.
However, it is clear that the NHL is actively promoting Zegras. This is evident in the league’s decision to make exceptions for Zegras and include him in the All-Star Game, while overlooking Raymond and Seider. It is evident that the NHL is positioning Zegras as their top rookie in terms of marketing.
Zegras fulfills all the criteria for star-power. He has garnered the majority of attention from the NHL and its media partners, with many exclaiming, “Wow! The NHL is in good hands with young players like him!” Since joining his team, they have experienced a remarkable turnaround. His exceptional plays, featured on highlight reels, captivate the attention of voters who may not have the opportunity to watch all the games.
In contrast, Seider scored another impressive goal on Saturday by defeating Philadelphia’s Carter Hart. This goal attracted a lot of attention online and helped Detroit secure their second consecutive victory. With 32 points in 49 games, there is ample evidence to suggest that Seider can accumulate the required stats to establish himself in that discussion.
Setting aside his flashy style (which he possesses in abundance), Seider has undoubtedly been the most remarkable rookie in the NHL this season. With a significant number of games played, it has become evident that his skills and abilities are unmatched.
No matter the voters’ opinion later this year, make sure to savor the performance of Detroit’s rookie trio throughout the rest of the season. The crucial point is that they are propelling Detroit towards becoming contenders, and their impact cannot be denied.
Red Wings just outside of playoffs
Despite being seven points behind a wildcard spot, the Red Wings (22-21-6) are currently the team closest to surpassing Boston or Washington for the last playoff position in the East.
Despite the upcoming return of Jakub Vrana, it will still be challenging to secure a playoff spot. This is evident from the Red Wings’ low playoff odds, with them listed as unlikely qualifiers for the postseason.
Boston currently holds a seven-point lead over the Wings and additionally has four games in hand. In terms of games played, Detroit and Washington are at the same level, however, Washington maintains an 11-point advantage over the Wings in the standings.
Numbers show clear improvement year over year
However, one’s viewpoint is crucial, folks.
They have improved their record to 22-21-6, which is five wins better than their record of 17-25-7 through 49 games in 2020-21 and ten wins better than their disastrous 2019-20 season record of 12-33-4.
While not significant progress, these steps are essential and have the potential to create playoff aspirations for the upcoming season.
Additionally, the Red Wings have made strides in their ability to stay competitive in games and successfully bounce back from deficits.
Last season, Detroit failed to win any games when they were behind after the second period. However, this year, their record has improved to 3 wins, 17 losses, and 1 tie in such situations. Additionally, when conceding the first goal this season, the Red Wings have a record of 7 wins, 15 losses, and 4 ties, surpassing their win totals in the same category from both the 2020-21 (6 wins, 21 losses, and 4 ties) and 2019-20 (6 wins, 32 losses, and 3 ties) seasons.
While these stats may not indicate a miraculous transformation on their own, they do highlight the remaining tasks at hand. Nevertheless, they provide insight into the factors contributing to the additional victories: determination and effective scoring.
Speaking of which …
Detroit’s stars are shining
Dylan Larkin, the captain of the Red Wings, is currently on a hot streak.
Having accumulated 49 points (24 goals, 25 assists) in just 43 games, he has already surpassed his point total from the previous season (23) when he played 44 games. If Larkin, who is 25 years old, participates in all of Detroit’s remaining 33 games, he is projected to achieve an impressive 82 points. This would surpass his previous season-best by seven points.
Bertuzzi has been exceptional as well. Despite only participating in nine games during the 2020-21 season, Bertuzzi, who will be 27 years old later this month, has maintained a scoring rate above one point per game.
In addition to his impressive tally of 23 goals and 19 assists in 41 games, which puts him just six points away from his personal best for a single season, Bertuzzi’s versatility in playing various positions has provided the Red Wings with the flexibility to adjust their line combinations without compromising the chemistry within their top-6 players.
At the beginning of the year, Larkin and Bertuzzi were part of Detroit’s top line. However, Bertuzzi has now joined former Guelph Storm teammates Pius Suter and Robby Fabbri in a different team. Larkin, on the other hand, has remained as the No. 1 center, while several left wingers have had the opportunity to play alongside him and Raymond.
Regardless of how you look at it, Larkin and Bert, along with their new rookie sidekick, have taken charge of driving the bus for Detroit upfront.
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