from Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News,

At 52.6 percent, the Red Wings are third in the NHL in faceoff wins.

Among their six closest competitors, the Flyers (55.9 percent), Blues (52.8), Kings (52.6), Predators (52.3), Wild (51.9) and Hurricanes (51.8), there is an even split between winning and losing teams.

So, how important are faceoffs?

“Does it help the team? I think it really helps in situations, for sure,” Jeff Blashill said.

“I don’t think it totally dictates the game. But, it certainly can help in situations: specialty teams, ends of games, those types of things.

“It’s situationally important.”

Among the Wings who take faceoffs most frequently, Luke Glendening (57.6 percent), Dylan Larkin (56.8) and Frans Nielsen (50.9) are winning more than losing.

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