Detroit Red Wings 2014-15 Season Preview

3 of 4

Apr 18, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period against the Boston Bruins in game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. The Red Wings won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

DETROIT RED WINGS

2013-14 RECAP

It was a bit of a transition season on and off the ice for the Wings, as they made their debut in the Eastern Conference and Atlantic Divisions, and adjusting to less travel and a whole new set of rivals. Plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, the Red Wings still managed to somehow sneak into the playoffs in one of the wild card spots, marking the 23rd straight post-season appearance for the storied franchise.

They unfortunately drew the President’s Trophy winning Boston Bruins and after snagging a 1-0 game 1 win in Boston on a tremendous effort from Pavel Datsyuk, the Wings didn’t have much left in the tank and fell in 5 games.

Feb 26, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings right wing Todd Bertuzzi (44) celebrates his goal against Montreal Canadiens with teammate right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

CHANGES

IN – none

OUT- Todd Bertuzzi, Daniel Alfredsson?, David Legwand

Out with the old, in with the new as the Red Wings are looking internally to replace some aging veterans with some young blood as Tomas Jurco, Riley Sheahan and even prospect Anthony Mantha look to step into consistent and prominent roles.

Apr 18, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) makes a save during the first period against the Boston Bruins in game one of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

3 BIG QUESTIONS

1. Is Alfredsson Finishied? – Alfie took his customary time before deciding whether or not to come back, and for a time it appeared he had taken too long. Then when it looked like the Wings would bring him back, he injured his back and it is questionable as to whether or not he would be ready to go to camp on a tryout basis and then make his decision. It looks like Alfredsson might have just tarnished his Ottawa legacy for nothing after all.

2. Can Jimmy Howard return to form? – Without a doubt Jimmy Howard echoed the inconsistency of the team in front of him, and if the Wings are going to continue the playoff streak, they need him to be better this season. Petr Mrazek is waiting in the wings (no pun intended) to take the mantle if he falters, but he will have to start in the AHL once again.

3. Will “The Streak” Continue? – Twenty-three straight playoff appearances is pretty impressive in this age of parity, but with the problems that Datsyuk, Stephen Weiss and Henrik Zetterberg have had staying healthy the streak might just be snapped this season.

Mar 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock during the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

PREDICTION