#15 – Detroit Red Wings
Apr 26, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock (L) reacts on the bench during the third period against the Boston Bruins in game five of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The Wings made the playoffs for an incredible 23rd straight season despite being pummeled by injuries to key players. The organization as a whole is a shining example of how to do things the right way, from top to bottom.
If there is one weakness in the Wings organization, it is size in the forward ranks. That can begin to be addressed with the selection of U.S. National Under 18 team winger Alex Tuch.
Tuch is a monster at 6’4″ and 215 lbs, and he can combine that size with grit and offensive potential. The Wings are getting older and their young players are dynamic and talented but not necessarily gritty. Tomas Tatar and Thomas Jurco fit that mold, and if they are the future of the Wings they will need support from a player with the size and toughness that Tuch will bring down the line.