A Comparison of Teams a Year Later at The All-Star Break

[detroit_schlegs]

In the case of the Red Wings, their record of 27-11-9 (63 pts) and their overall play has out-weighed where they found themselves at this juncture last season, where their record was 20-17-10 (50 pts).
One of the reasons for this is that their younger players have gotten much better at reading the plays and adjusting to the realities of a much better game in the NHL than they did in their first opportunity last season, even though their level of play had much to do with the team getting to the playoffs. Tatar's 21 goals and Nyquist's 19 lead the team, and Zetterberg's 30 assists, along with Kronwall's 22 helpers lead the team in that category. The combined points from Z (44), Nyquist (36), Datsyuk (35), and Tatar (34), gives the 4 of them a 37-point average. The effective play of Glendening, Miller, and Andersson on the PK and several times against other team's best line, has allowed both Datsyuk and Zetterberg to be more effective in their roles on the PP or in 5-on-5 situations primarily because of their reduced need to be in a consistent role on the PK, as they both had regularly been utilized last season.
Mrazek's outstanding play in compiling a 9-3-1 record has been quite an inviting benefit with Gustavsson being out for so long with an upper body injury.
It goes without saying, how much better Jimmy Howard is playing this season by merely comparing his 8-11-8 record last season with this season's 16-7-7 record. He has controlled his rebounds with much more consistency than last season, and has been much more technically proficient on adjusting to better cut down the angles on opponents' shooting efficiency.
On the defensive side, the young forwards are doing their part well in their supporting efforts both in the defensive end and in the neutral zone by regularly disrupting the puck-possession of opponents.
Although the Wings are still having their issues in their own end of securing and clearing pucks on a consistent basis, the play of DeKeyser, Ericsson, and Quincey has been better than in the past season for each of them; and, with the addition of Ouellet, who seldom misses an assignment, the overall play of those on the backline has improved greatly from that of last season. Miscues by some of them this season has resulted in turnovers which have lead to goals, but the frequency of those incidents has greatly diminished from that of last season.
The increased benefit of more speed from more skilled younger players selected from the Entry Drafts in the last few years, along with their development in Grand Rapids has added a significant piece to what has been missing in Detroit for several seasons. It should only get better as their maturation process continues.

 

[sherbert1421]

defense is still the major issue i see with this team. while they have been better than expected, they still desperately need a right handed puck moving defensman.

most improved player by far has been quincey. but him being pared with dekeyser probably has a lot do with that

very happy with tatar and nyquist showing last year wasn't a fluke. they are both going to be studs in this league for many years to come

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

It's a amazing how much better a team can be with solid defense & goaltending. Getting Boychuk, Leddy & Halak for very little was huge.

 

[detroit_schlegs]

That's surely the definition of a turnaround to me.

 

[RangersReds03]

It's a amazing how much better a team can be with solid defense & goaltending. Getting Boychuk, Leddy & Halak for very little was huge.

That's for sure.

 

[dash]

It's a amazing how much better a team can be with solid defense & goaltending. Getting Boychuk, Leddy & Halak for very little was huge.

Same story with the Flames - Hiller/Ramo have provided solid goaltending until Joni Ortio arrived on the scene and until he stumbles, you gotta run with him (Ramo is coming off IR so the Flames have a 3 goalie monster they will have to deal with). Giordano is having a Norris caliber season, and along with Brodie, Russell, and Wideman, the defense has been the backbone of the team's success.

 

[detroit_schlegs]

Big win for them in LA Monday night. I clapped when that one ended. Hopefully they can get at least a point vs the Ducks tonight, but it's always tough playing at the Honda Center.

 

[tducey]

Detroit's been having a great season this yr. for sure, more reason why Mike Babcock is the best coach in the NHL.

 

[dash]

Big win for them in LA Monday night. I clapped when that one ended. Hopefully they can get at least a point vs the Ducks tonight, but it's always tough playing at the Honda Center.

Haven't won in Anaheim in over 12 years, I may have to sacrifice a live chicken prior to tonight's game.

 

[detroit_schlegs]

Does it have to be strung upside down with voodoo chants all around to send them the evil vibes?

 

[dash]

Does it have to be strung upside down with voodoo chants all around to send them the evil vibes?

It couldn't hurt - Cigars and rum will also be included.

 

[detroit_schlegs]

I'll be watching the game after the Pens/Hawks affair. Here's to shutting down both Getzlaf and Perry. Skol.

 

[puckhead]

Canucks this time last year had just fallen off of a cliff.
massive shitshow, with no redeeming features.

this year, they are an average team.




so vast improvements

 

[RP-29]

defense is still the major issue i see with this team. while they have been better than expected, they still desperately need a right handed puck moving defensman.

Defense is not an issue. As of today, the Wings are 7th-best in the league in goals against per game, 4th in shots against per game, 6th in PK% and 8th in 5-on-5 goal ratio. They're also disciplined, spending the 5th-least amount of time in the box per game. Those sound like Cup-worthy defensive numbers to me.

The "need" for a right shot at the blueline is overstated. Chemistry is exponentially more important. Kronwall and Ericsson have been paired with each other for years; they know how to play off each other and where each other will be in all situations. Ever since Babcock paired Quincey with DeKeyser midway through last season, Quincey's play has been vastly improved and they've developed good chemistry. Babcock has publicly stated this D-pair has been his best this season. Earlier in the season when Kindl and Lashoff were getting ice time the defense was unstable, but the big solidifier was importing Ouellet into the lineup and pairing him with Smith.

I'm happy with how the Wings defense is playing right now and I pray no injuries disrupt the chemistry of all three D pairs.

 

[dash]

Hey WW, I may have to consider taking Jesus Christ as my savior instead of fooling around with all this stuff.

 

[detroit_schlegs]

Tough situation for the Flames last night in Anaheim. It was a tough uphill climb after getting off to a 0-3 start, but they did a reasonable job in the 2nd getting back into it. Dash, you must have been running up the wall when a Flames forward missed the open net down low early in the 3rd; that would have put them down by one. Then, disappointment came a minute or so later when the Ducks went up by 3. But, wait! Hope shows its face once again, as the Flames respond with a goal of their own to inch a bit closer. Then, another opportunity in the Ducks end, as Hudler almost pockets another one to nearly sound the trumpet for another charge into the battle to capture the flag to claim the honor of King of the Hill. But, in the end, their start cost them that game. To make up 3 goals at the Honda Center with 40 minutes to go has proved to be a tall order for any of the team in the league. Hopefully, the Flames will put in the type of energy and determination the second half of the season that they showed in the last two period last night, except, of course, on March 6th.

 

[dash]

Tough situation for the Flames last night in Anaheim. It was a tough uphill climb after getting off to a 0-3 start, but they did a reasonable job in the 2nd getting back into it. Dash, you must have been running up the wall when a Flames forward missed the open net down low early in the 3rd; that would have put them down by one. Then, disappointment came a minute or so later when the Ducks went up by 3. But, wait! Hope shows its face once again, as the Flames respond with a goal of their own to inch a bit closer. Then, another opportunity in the Ducks end, as Hudler almost pockets another one to nearly sound the trumpet for another charge into the battle to capture the flag to claim the honor of King of the Hill. But, in the end, their start cost them that game. To make up 3 goals at the Honda Center with 40 minutes to go has proved to be a tall order for any of the team in the league. Hopefully, the Flames will put in the type of energy and determination the second half of the season that they showed in the last two period last night, except, of course, on March 6th.

Great summary schlegs - All in all, it's difficult to be upset with getting 8 out of a possible 10 points on a 5 game roadie through the Pacific Division. The curse continues at the Ponda Center. Next up is a crucial 6 game homestand for the Flames followed by another extended roadie as they leave town and make way for the Brier (Canadian curling championship).

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

The Sabres are pretty much exactly where they were last year at the Olympic break (closest information I could find). They were putting up a .333 point% last year and are at .330% so far this year.

I was honestly surprised by how close it actually was. They're in the midst of a franchise record 11 game losing streak, but were all the way up to a .430% before this skid. Seemed like there was some genuine improvement in the team. Oh well, apparently not.

 

[mattola]

we have more regulation wins and also more regulation losses than this exact time last year. exact same points too. albeit no shitshow so like puck said much better.

 

[detroit_schlegs]

Great summary schlegs - All in all, it's difficult to be upset with getting 8 out of a possible 10 points on a 5 game roadie through the Pacific Division. The curse continues at the Ponda Center. Next up is a crucial 6 game homestand for the Flames followed by another extended roadie as they leave town and make way for the Brier (Canadian curling championship).

A couple of us will have to make the trip up there to celebrate with you, if you draw them in the first round of the Megashow, and you guys pull off the unexpected. I'll even buys a couple of round for everybody.