The Left Wing Lock

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Success in the NHL playoffs is often measured by the performances of the goaltender and defense corp. However, having skaters who consistently generate offense and elevate their play may be just as important. While the Red Wings possess their own offensive arsenal, they will face significant challenges from key players with a history of success against them. Below is a partial list of players who, if not contained, could cause problems for the Red Wings this post season.

• Shane Doan (Phoenix) – The 34 year-old has always been productive against the Red Wings, though this season he was limited to just one assist in three games. In the 56 career games against Detroit, he’s notched 13 goals and 33 points and if he’s healthy the Wings will have their hands full trying to contain him in the opening round.
• Martin Erat (Nashville) – Generously listed at 6-foot, Erat is one of Nashville’s top offensive players and he routinely makes his presence felt against Detroit. In the six regular season games against the Wings, Erat has netted 3 goals and an assist.
• Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim) – While teammate Corey Perry won the Richard trophy for the most goals scored in a season, Getzlaf has been more of a threat against the Red Wings. Although he was limited to a single assist this season, The 6-foot-4, 221 pound forward always steps up his play in the post season and particularly against Detroit.
• Marian Hossa (Chicago) – Former Wing Hossa, has loved playing Detroit this season picking up two goals and five assists in five contests. If the Red Wings draw Chicago in a later round they will need to figure out a way to contain the Slovakian sniper.
• Patrick Kane (Chicago) – The 5-foot-10, 178 pound forward has done nothing but generate offense this season against the Red Wings racking up five assists in six games. If the Buffalo, New York native gets on a hot streak, he could cause problems for Detroit’s defense.
• Tomas Kopecky (Chicago) – After spending years in the Red Wings system, Kopecky knows how to score against his former team. The Slovakian winger notched 4 of his 15 goals against Detroit this season. If Chicago and Detroit meet in the later rounds of the playoffs he’ll hope to continue the trend.
• Daniel Sedin (Vancouver) – Sedin has had a tremendous year finishing first in the NHL points race with 104. The 6-foot-1, 187 pound forward tallied five goals and an assist in four games against the Red Wings. If he continues his dominant play in the post season he will be hard to contain.
• Patrick Sharp (Chicago) – Though he may still be hampered by a knee injury suffered in March, Sharp has always been able to find a second gear against Detroit. Despite only dressing for four of six games against the Wings, the 6-foot-1, 199 pound forward still managed to pick up a goal and three assists. The Hawks have a lot of weapons up front and Sharp is a player who has been particularly good against Detroit.
• Joe Thornton (San Jose) – Overall it’s been another good season for Thornton, despite a few bumps along the way. The big center has had the Red Wings number all season long notching two goals and six points in four games. San Jose, like Chicago also has many offensive threats – including the likes of Heatley, Couture, and Pavelski – but Joe Thornton may the biggest weapon against the Red Wings.
• Joel Ward (Nashville) – Ward, who tried out for the Red Wings twice, always elevates his game against Detroit. The 6-foot-1, 218 pounder is a grinding forward not known for his scoring, but he can be deadly against the Wings. Ward should not be a player Detroit overlooks if they have to face off against the Predators.
• Keith Yandle (Phoenix) – Yandle is the Coyotes top defenseman and he just may be one of the most under rated players in the NHL. The 6-foot-1, 191 pound blueliner plays a strong overall game and helps generate offense from the back end. With two goals and an assist against the Wings this season, he is a player who must be contained in order for Detroit to advance to the next round.