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Promising Developments:
Detroit Red Wings Player Growth
By: Michael A. Chase Jr.
10/12/2019
Coming off a 74-point, 32-40-10 season last year the Detroit Red Wings came into this season with the expectation of continuing their retooling effort. In their 4 games played so far in the first 2 weeks of the NHL Regular Season they have accumulated 6 of a possible 8 points. Going 3-1-0 in these games with wins over the Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, and Montreal Canadiens. Suffering one tough loss to the Anaheim Ducks. It is way to early to full on project them as a playoff team, or even finish over .500. Though it can be discussed some of the developments of key players on this Detroit roster. Looking to analyze these players early numbers, along with the strengths and needs for improvement in their games. While determining how they will help Detroit move from slight improvement to sneaky playoff spot contender.
In terms of the first 4 games of their season there are several positives that can be taken from this small sample size. Detroit has had several players get off to great starts that will be key in them having a successful season. Here are a few player performances who are worth highlighting during Detroit’s start.
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The first being the tremendous play of forward Anthony Mantha, who is off to a torrid start to his season. Mantha in Detroit’s 4 games so far has accumulated 6 goals and 2 assists for 8 points and is a +5 so far. Mantha’s development will continue to be key for Detroit to exceed the low expectations placed on them by pundits this season. The 25-year-old right winger has seen his goal scoring numbers increase over each season at the NHL level. Scoring 2 goals in just 10 games his rookie year, but then scoring 17, 24 and 25 goals in the past three seasons. Showing his steady progression into becoming a reliable 20+ goal scorer. With the pace he is on he could score 30 or more goals for the first time in his career which would be huge for the Red Wings. With Mantha’s size at 6’5” 234 lbs. he is tough to knock off the puck, along with smooth hands to make plays for himself and others. Providing a big body to screen goalies on the powerplay and be a menace below the goal-line and in the corners. Mantha must continue to improve his play defensively to become a well-rounded player, but he is on his way. If he continues to play at a high level for Detroit this season, he will be a major catalyst in pushing Detroit toward a playoff spot.
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The next player to discuss that has been a contributor in Detroit’s solid showing is defenseman Filip Hronek. The 21-year-old defenseman has accumulated 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points in 4 games. As well as, being a +1 in the plus/minus stat, which can be slightly deceiving but shows he had a positive impact when on the ice. His numbers do not leap out at you but watching his play thus far he displays much more confidence in his game. Hronek is playing on average 22:03 in terms of time on ice. Which is a 3 minute plus increase from his rookie season, showing the confidence the coaches are showing in him. Hronek skates well for a defenseman allowing him to be mobile and be able to join the rush on offense. While being able to recover on defense when he is at times caught in a tough spot. He has a big shot that Detroit will continue to encourage him to use which should help him realize his offensive upside. He even plays in all situations in the game showing his versatility as a player. Hronek will need to be more of a physical presence to be tougher to play against, having thrown just 4 hits on the season so far. While continuing to learn all the nuances of the NHL game to become the top 4 defensemen. If Hronek can makes these adjustments as the season progresses, then the Red Wings will have a piece to build their D-Core with going forward.
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The final player to highlight that has begun the NHL regular season strong is 30-year-old forward Luke Glendening. This veteran centerman has provided consistent and effective play from the bottom six. The 5’11” Glendening has accumulated 2 goals and 3 points while being a +1 in 4 games. He has provided energy from the bottom six which is always key to being a quality depth player. He is key in the faceoff dot winning 55.26% of his faceoffs, providing Detroit opportunities to start with puck possession when he is on the ice. He also plays a role on their penalty kill as a key cog to the success of that unit. Glendening in his career has filled a multitude of roles for Detroit and will continue to do so. He must provide constant energy using his speed and relentlessness on the forecheck to bother opposing defenders. If he can continue to produce decent numbers from the bottom six it gives the Red Wings another depth player to rely on. With depth players playing how Glendening has thus far Detroit could get the depth scoring they need to be a balanced attack offensively.
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The Red Wings have seen these players among others like Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi start the season strong and spearhead a promising start. While it is only a 4-game sample size, the elevated play of these players and the team is encouraging for a team looking to return to the playoffs. They will need these players to continue to perform well and lead the charge for Detroit. Along with getting some other players to start to produce numbers to aid the winning cause. If things proceed to trend more in the direction the team is on to start the year the Red Wings could easily find themselves fighting for a playoff spot throughout the year.