from Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News,

A playoff berth remains a long shot, with odds determined by simple mathematics applied to NHL rules that award two points for a win and one point for a whole lot of losses.

Development remains key.

That principle dictates Joe Hicketts should have been in the lineup from the start, Tyler Bertuzzi quicker after his early-season injury, and Filip Hronek perhaps soon. The 20-year-old offensive defensemen is suddenly hot for Grand Rapids in his first, full professional season.

It suggests Michael Rasmussen, the 2017 first-round pick, should play from the start in October after an impressive training camp this season. After successful wrist surgery he returned in major junior hockey for Tri-City, of the Western Hockey League.

It suggests an advantage in even greater roster movement this offseason than last.

That is a sound strategy for rebuilding. Playing poorly now for a closer seat at the roulette table is not.

more