from Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now,
Throughout the current NHL season, the Detroit Red Wings continue to display that when they are on their game, they’re capable of beating any team. A pair of victories over the Tampa Bay Lightning, along with solo triumphs over the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights, are evidence of this fact.
“I think we’ve been playing pretty well against good teams and there’s going to be a lot of good teams we’re going to play against,” Detroit goaltender Ville Husso said. “We know we can beat anybody in this league.”
Here’s the thing, though – Detroit isn’t proving capable of bringing that level of game to the rink on a nightly basis. Consistent performance remains an elusive quality in this team’s DNA.
“Just that consistency in our game,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde admitted as the element missing from his club. “I think consistency in getting over the hump. Putting a string together of consistent hockey.”
It’s worked in both manners for the Red Wings. They’ve never been consistently good, or consistently bad for any long stretches of time this season. Detroit has never won more than three games in a row. At the same time, the Wings have never lost more than three games in a row.
continued
Theres no good way to say it except honestly: this season especially, theyre now probably like 18-1 or worse to make the playoffs. Losing is overall better for the future of this team. This season was very unlucky in terms of the stuff with Vrana and Bert, sprinkled with not much better goaltending than last year. Some of its on management, some on the players not being good enough, and plenty just bad luck.
Figuring the Wings have to go about 21-10-3 to get to 95 points, I'd say the chances are closer to 80-1. As far as I see it, the playoffs aren't happening.
Hopefully, they still fall into position to have a shot at Bedard even if it is a small shot. Not sure it is worth the tank to increase the odds. I want the team playing hard the rest of the season and stringing together wins for confidence. However, players who won't be around next year need to be dealt for future assets. The only two worth making a push to keep are Larkin and Walman. Bert's real value is what he can get in return although a short contract if they can't get a decent return would be acceptable.
Cant see it happening, as 6/8 opponents in February are currently in playoff positions, 7/12 on the road this month. And, well, just not consistently good defensively.
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