Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

About Those Trade Deadline Deals

04/01/2015 at 12:00pm EDT

from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

Almost one month has gone by since the passing of the trade deadline, and the playoffs are just two weeks away. So, how are the deals making out? Who's hitting his stride and who's tracking sideways? Hey, we get it, don't judge until someone's carrying around the big silver Cup in June. But it's interesting and more than a little illuminating to see just how well the new pieces have fit into the puzzles of their new teams.

Marek Zidlicky, D, Detroit Red Wings

The Wings have actually gone a little sideways since the trade deadline, with just five wins in 14 games before Tuesday night's matchup with the Ottawa Senators, but you can't fault Zidlicky, who filled a long-standing need with his big right-handed shot. He's scored three power-play goals, including one game winner, and has nine points in total since being acquired from the New Jersey Devils. Playing with Brendan Smith as the team's third pairing, the experience of Zidlicky, 38, should continue to pay dividends as the playoffs unfold.

Tyler Myers, D, Drew Stafford, RW, Winnipeg Jets

Hard to imagine this deal working out any better for a Jets team that continues to scratch and claw its way toward its first playoff berth since moving from Atlanta. Myers, 25, the former Calder Trophy winner as rookie of the year, has rediscovered his confidence after it looked like he might be permanently derailed in Buffalo. Stafford, 29, has played top-six minutes and shown a penchant for producing goals and assists in a timely fashion. With the Jets dealing with injuries to top offensive players and Evander Kane gone to Buffalo in the deal, Stafford's contributions have been key to the Jets' playoff effort. Stafford told ESPN.com this week that the weight of losing took both a mental and physical toll in Buffalo, and he couldn't be happier to be back in the hunt for a postseason berth. The Jets are counting on contributions from both Stafford and Myers to extend beyond the end of the regular season.

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About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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