Despite encountering a few bumps along the way, the Detroit Red Wings come in with a significant lead over the Nashville Predators for the Central Division crown. They’ve had their share of injuries, and things haven’t necessarily gone as smoothly as they’d like, but barring a total collapse, Detroit should be steady-as-she-goes until the playoffs roll around even though the team’s goals-against is higher than GM Ken Holland would like to see.
Detroit Red Wings At The 2011 NHL Trade Deadline: Rumors, Needs And Expectations
With an injury to Chris Osgood and some inconsistent play from Jimmy Howard ever since the Evgeni Nabokov debacle, goaltending seems to be once again be the big need in Detroit. The question remains: will that be for a co-starter or simply emergency backup?
Status: Buyer
Need: Goaltending, defensive forwards to help the uncharacteristically shaky penalty kill.
Available: Ruslan Salei ($1.1 million), Patrick Eaves ($0.75 million)
Prediction: Ken Holland has publicly voiced his confidence in his current group and there’s little reason to believe that was false bravado. Look for Detroit to make a move for a backup goaltender and that’s about it.
Further Reading From Winging It In Motown
- Feb. 16: Roundtable Discussion, Part 2
This story was written by Mike Chen.
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