Ranking The Atlantic Division Bluelines
5. Detroit Red Wings
May 12, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55) moves the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
POTENTIAL PAIRINGS
Niklas Kronwall – Jonathan Ericsson
WILD CARD: Xavier Ouellet
The Red Wings are still smarting from the loss of Nicklas Lidstrom, who although he looked like he could play forever, had to call it quits at some point. There is help on the horizon, with Smith and DeKeyser potentially moving up the depth chart in short order. Ouellet is a year or two away, especially since Detroit likes to be very patient with its prospects (DeKeyser aside).