Detroit Red Wings 2014-15 Season Preview

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.