A lot of the times, when a franchise is struggling, they look to nostalgia. Returning legends will make appearances. They’ll promote “look at everything we’ve done!” until you’re blue in the face. Detroit capitalized on the “out with the old, in with the new” scheme the past 2 non-playoff seasons, closing The Joe and opening Little Caesars Arena.
One year ago. #Farewell2TheJoe #LGRW pic.twitter.com/QiP9se5Ov1
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 9, 2018
The Red Wings finished their season much like how it started, disappointing. Ending at 73 points in the standings. Detroit went 3-6 in their final 2+ weeks. Wins coming against the defending champs, Pittsburgh Penguins, 5-2, Buffalo Sabres, 6-3 and Ottawa Senators, 2-0.
Season leaders for 2017-18; Anthony Mantha, goals (24), Dylan Larkin, assists (47) and points (63), Jimmy Howard wins (22) and save percentage (.910%).
A lot of questions need to be addressed in the offseason.
It’s unlikely that he’ll return, but the Wings could use some veteran leadership. Do they bring back their only 2017-18 All-Star? Mike Green’s impending free agency.
UPDATE: #RedWings Defenseman Mike Green will undergo surgery on his cervical spine and will miss the remainder of the 2017-18 season. pic.twitter.com/QwQU51KZ25
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 22, 2018
Learning on the fly, how will Tyler Bertuzzi improve on his rookie season?
“I just needed to work hard in GR and maybe get a chance. That’s what happened and here we are. I’m still working hard and learning everyday.”
Post Game Comments by @CocaCola | #LGRW pic.twitter.com/wSkW7JrjP4
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 6, 2018
After trading Petr Mrazek, is Jared Coreau NHL ready?
9:42 to play in regulation, #RedWings down, 4-3. #MTLvsDET pic.twitter.com/R4CWJVtAkN
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 6, 2018
Perhaps the most important question heading into the offseason is, what will Detroit do with all of those draft picks? NHL Draft Lottery is April 28th. Will luck swing their way? Rasmus Dahlin would sure look great in a winged-wheel jersey!
On a side note, congratulations to Justin Abdelkader who is expecting his first child later this year!
Excited to announce our new addition to the family! Baby boy September 2018 💙 pic.twitter.com/KR0g27neDB
— Justin Abdelkader (@justinabss) April 6, 2018
Red Wings enter an offseason of uncertainty. Many fans are calling for GM, Ken Holland and coach, Jeff Blashill’s jobs, but it was announced that both will be retained. It is understandable to express frustration as fans of an elite franchise like the Wings, however, this is the first “rebuild” Detroit has had to go through in a long time. Holland made some key trades this season that brought back a slew of draft picks. The rebuild might come sooner than later with a loaded draft and aging veterans coming off the books. However, Krowall and Zetterberg expected to return.
“He’s been a guy that had success along the way, there’s a reason for him to continue to be the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.”
📽️ –>
Holland: https://t.co/LzNIDpvn3q
Blashill: https://t.co/eDz2ye8Etx pic.twitter.com/aBeAArBMWp— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 10, 2018
As for Blashill, it’s not a fair assessment this season, that another coach would have done better with this roster. He must be a decent coach in the NHL or else he wouldn’t have been sought out to coach the Men’s World Championship, again.
Congrats to Coach Blashill on being named #TeamUSA head coach for the 2018 IIHF Men’s World Championship for the second year in a row! #2018MWC 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/fsOmFcDqwC
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 9, 2018
For further coverage of the Detroit Red Wings offseason and future, check out My Detroit Sports insider, Garrett Kolodziej’s analysis of the Wings on the My Detroit Sports Show.
From one Red Wings fan to another, give it time, Hockeytown. See you next season! #LGRW
“We have such amazing fans here. I just think that shows the history in this city and the organization that this has been for so many years.” #LGRW pic.twitter.com/vUnltJjZTe
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 11, 2018
