The Left Wing Lock

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The Red Wings have had a lot to be happy about the last few days after clinching the Central Division title and securing their spot in the NHL playoffs for the 20th consecutive year. While both are significant accomplishments, Detroit is a team that measures its success in the playoffs and not  by season awards or division titles. That being said, the Red Wings enter the post season with significant areas that must be improved to have a chance at a long Stanley Cup run. Here’s a look at a few key areas:

• Big guns must fire regularly – Johan Franzen must start scoring. He has been dominant in recent post seasons using his size and strength to drive the net. Henrik Zetterberg must also increase his production. Secondary offensive players like Jiri Hudler, Todd Bertuzzi and Valtteri Filppula also need to contribute regularly.
• Howard has to be solid and consistent – Forget about Chris Osgood and his injury woes. Even if he is able to return, this team is going to ride Jimmy Howard through the playoffs. For them to have any hope of winning, Howard has to be strong.
• Players must get healthy – The injuries have taken a toll this year. While key players are returning, questions around the health of these players still remain. Among these players include Brad Stuart, Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen and Niklas Kronwall.
• Put the D back in defense – On paper the Wings should have a strong defensive corps, but in the wake of last weeks stunning 10-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues that clearly isn’t the case. Detroit will need to focus on playing a tighter system while also reducing turnovers and odd man rushes.
• Stronger starts lead to better finishes – Setting the tone early in any game can be the difference between winning and losing. Far too often this season, Detroit has been outplayed early creating sometimes insurmountable deficits on the score sheet. Stronger play from the first drop of the puck is essential.
• Home ice should provide an advantage – It’s great that the Red Wings are a strong road team, but wouldn’t it be even better if they were as tough to play against in their own building?

If Detroit doesn’t correct these areas, then unfortunately it could be another very long summer in Hockeytown for players and fans alike.