Detroit Red Wings Review March 1-7, 2021
Broken Wings – Tyler Bertuzzi, Dylan Larkin and Troy Stecher missed the entire week with injuries. Larkin is expected to return to the lineup this week while no update has been provided for Bertuzzi. Stecher also returned to practice on Sunday and is expected to return this week. The Red Wings continued to be free of players involved in COVID protocol this week.
Wing Movement – For the second week in a row, the Red Wings put a high salary, veteran player, on waivers for the purpose of assigning them to the taxi squad. This week, it was Valtteri Filppula who cleared waivers but never did get assigned to the taxi squad. These moves are not about sending messages or clearing salary, they are just accounting moves for roster flexibility to allow young players, who will be instrumental to the rebuild, to play. Michael Rasmussen was recalled from Grand Rapids to take Filppula’s place in the lineup.
Game Review – The Red Wings played two games this week, one vs Columbus on Tuesday and the final vs Carolina on Thursday. A poor second period in Columbus cost Detroit, who gave up three unanswered goals in route to a 4-1 loss. A similar fate cost the Wings on Thursday. After playing well and being tied 2-2 after two periods, two unanswered goals in the first three minutes of the third period led to a 5-2 loss. The Red Wings earned zero of four possible points this week. They finished the week last (8th) in the central division and 30th in the NHL with a 7-16-3 record.
Talking Hockey – The Red Wings recent strong play was evident for periods this week but was missing overall. Considering that Larkin and Bertuzzi, two thirds of the top line, are out and that Filppula, the most consistent third line center on the team, did not play this week (the team said he was a healthy scratch, and he was placed on and cleared waivers) it should not be a surprise that the team struggled. With their first chance to rest this season (the Wings return Tuesday, having played just two games in eight days compared to four games in six days coming into this week) along with the hopeful return of Larkin this week, the Wings should see better fortunes in the coming week.
Player of the Week – Filip Zadina – Zadina’s strong play the last couple weeks finally resulted in his first goals since February 9th, including one on the powerplay. In Larkin’s absence, the team is leaning more on Zadina and he is responding accordingly. He finished the week with 2 goals on 9 shots.