from The Athletic,
The Athletic asked the writers who know each NHL team best two questions: 1) How confident are you in the team’s playoff chances? And 2) Will the team be a buyer or a seller at the deadline?
Here’s what they said.
Record: 10-5-4, 3rd in Atlantic
Playoff tier: They’ll be on the bubble
Trade deadline buyer or seller? Seller
Analysis: Detroit’s underlying numbers are more concerning than their record, and they could go from “bubble” to “long shot” over the course of the next month — and the best guess is still that they’ll be on the wrong side of that bubble when all is said and done. Still, though, that’s an improvement over past seasons, and the Red Wings don’t look like they’ll go down without a fight. The real question, when it comes to the deadline, is whether they’re more likely to sell or stand pat. Buying (or at least renting) feels unlikely until they’re more of a sure thing, but you could see a case for them to forego a fire sale if they’re still hanging around that bubble come February. — Max Bultman
more ($) teams
from Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now,
Asked about his spectacular start to the season, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Filip Hronek responded in his usual understated manner.
Of course Im happy, Hronek said. Were winning. Thats the biggest thing.
I think we were playing better hockey so far. Were playing good.
So is Hronek very good, in fact. Hes putting himself in the same conversation with Red Wings defensive legends.
For his part, Hronek would much prefer to go about his business in the shadows. He neither seeks out, or enjoys the glare of the spotlight.
However, if he continues to do things not seen in these parts since seven-time Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom retired, attention will continue to seek him out.
With a goal and an assist in Wednesdays 3-0 victory, Hronek ran his tally to five goals over Detroits last five games. Hronek became the first Detroit defenseman with five goals in a five-game span since Lidstrom from Dec. 15-23, 2010. Hes riding a five-game point streak (5-2-7).
continued
Whatever happens, there was never going to be a "fire sale" at the TDL. There are a few vets with expiring contracts (Suter, Erne, Maata, Haag) who could go, but no chance of tearing it down to the floorboards in March.
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