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Red Wings Preview

MiHockey Staff

By Michael Caples –

Rewind: Last spring, the Wings seemed destined to complete a historic comeback against San Jose. However, concussions to Dan Cleary and Todd Bertuzzi led to a disappointing performance in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals, and for the second consecutive season, the Sharks eliminated the Wings. A surprise retirement by Brian Rafalski was followed by the retirements of Chris Osgood and Kris Draper, which meant an active summer for GM Ken Holland and his staff.

Bench boss:Mike Babcock is entering his seventh season as head coach of the Wings. In that time frame, he has won at least 44 games every season. Yet in the past two seasons, Babcock has lost to his protégé and former assistant, San Jose’s Todd McLellan. For a coach who has made it to the Stanley Cup Final three times in ten years, it’s safe to say that Babcock is not pleased with back-to-back second round exits.

With Chris Osgood’s postseason retirement, Jimmy Howard becomes the definitive No. 1 goaltender for the Red Wings. (Tom Turrill/Michigan Hockey)

Line change:

Gone: Mike Modano (F), Kris Draper (F), Brian Rafalski (D), Chris Osgood (G)

Arriving: Mike Commodore (D), Ian White (D), Ty Conklin (G)

If the water bottle’s half full: The Wings have one of the most talented line-ups in the NHL. Captain Nicklas Lidstrom, in what could be his final season, won his seventh Norris Trophy at age 41. Defensive additions Mike Commodore and Ian White will be challenged for ice time by Jakub Kindl and Brendan Smith. And an offense that features Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Johan Franzen is never one to take lightly.

If the water bottle’s half empty: The Wings have been unable to advance past the second round in the last two years, and they didn’t really upgrade any position via free agency. The Wings will be counting on young talent like Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, and Jonathan Ericsson to take on bigger roles.

MVP: When he is healthy, Pavel Datsyuk is one of the most dominant players in hockey — at both ends of the ice. However, he only played in 56 games last year, and he was playing injured during the playoffs as well. The Wings need a healthy Datsyuk on the ice to keep up with the likes of Vancouver and San Jose.

Difference-maker: Jimmy Howard is the unquestioned starter in goal for the Red Wings, but Ty Conklin could have just as much of an impact. Conklin, back for his second stint in Hockeytown, needs to be able to win games and let Howard rest during a grueling 82-game schedule. With a lengthy injury to Osgood and less-than-stellar performances by Joey MacDonald last year, Howard had to play in 63 games. The Wings would love to keep their starter fresh for the postseason, which means Conklin needs to play — and win.