from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

Three of the Red Wings who have been noticeable on the ice over the last week have something in common.

In a league where speed has become valued and has largely taken over, big bodies can still be effective and dictate a game in their own way.

Michael Rasmussen (age 21, 6-foot-6, 229 pounds), Givani Smith (23, 6-2, 210) and Adam Erne (25, 6-1, 212) all have used their strengths to make an impact in recent games and add another dimension to the Wings’ lineup.

Michael Rasmussen has tallied two goals and an assist over the past five games.
“Size still matters,” coach Jeff Blashill said of the impact being big has these days in the NHL.

A big, strong, immovable player will have certain advantages on the ice that a smaller, lighter player cannot have in certain situations with, or without, the puck.

“There’s different ways to separate yourself,” Blashill said. “One is through speed, one is through size and one is probably through competitiveness and hockey smarts.

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