* You are viewing the archive for December, 2011

The Everyday Player

Jakub Kindl has become an everyday player for the Red Wings. The 24 year-old defenseman played just 48 games in his rookie season in Detroit. This season he’s already played 31 games and is solidly entrenched on the third pairing along side Jonathan Ericsson.

Despite his solid play last year, questions surrounded Kindl entering this season especially in light of the departures of several veteran defensemen and the acquisition of Ian White and Mike Commodore. The 6-foot-3, 210 pound blueliner is making believers out of his skeptics and has already doubled … Continue Reading

Appearance on Episode 22 of TP:60

I appeared on Episode 22 of TP:60 hosted by my friends over at The Production Line. Check out the full episode to hear Red Wings prospect Mitch Callahen, Nick Barnowski of Nick’s Sports Blog, and my segment in the last 30 minutes. We cover an array of subjects from the current status of the Red Wings and their organizational depth. Thanks to the crew at the Production Line for having me on. To listen to the show click here.

Depth Perception: Conner Making a Case

Photo Courtesy The Detroit News

Chris Conner is embracing his opportunity with the Red Wings.  The 5-foot-7, 180 pound forward was recalled more than a week ago from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL after Patrick Eaves was sidelined due to a broken jaw. Since his promotion, the 27 year-old winger has notched a goal and three points through 6 games. Conner has played a limited role, mostly on the fourth line, for Detroit but his speed and tenacity have been assets to the veteran-laden Wings.

He’s played his … Continue Reading

World Junior Watch: Jurco and Tvrdon Could Power Slovakia

On Friday team Slovakia named Red Wings prospects Marek Tvrdon (pictured) and Tomas Jurco to their preliminary roster for the 2012 World Junior Championship which kicks off after Christmas. While the duo has not officially been named to the final roster, it’s a safe bet that both players will make the final roster.

Matter of fact, Tvrdon and Jurco could be key contributors for Slovakia when they kick things off on December 27th against Latvia. The 6-foot-2, 187 pound Jurco is one of just six players returning to this year’s … Continue Reading

It’s All About the Travel…

Despite all the rumors, the Detroit Red Wings will not be joining the Eastern Conference. Under the new plan, the Wings will be part of the newly realigned central conference which will also feature Chicago, St. Louis, Winnipeg, Nashville, Columbus, Dallas, and Minnesota. The league will be divided into four total conferences – two with eight teams and two with just seven teams. The bulk of the schedule next season will focus on inter-conference games, but each team will play the teams outside its respective conference twice.

The Red Wings, who have … Continue Reading

The Back-up Plan: Depth in Goal a Concern

Ty Conklin had to wait 17 games before getting another chance to start for the Red Wings. Sunday’s 4-2 loss against the Colorado Avalanche did little to secure his standing with the Red Wings. Conklin previous two starts came in late October and included a 7-1 loss to the Washington Capitals and 4-1 lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Jimmy Howard, who’s sparkling 1.83 goals against is fifth best in the NHL, hasn’t made it easy for Conklin to earn starts with the Red Wings. Howard has been the teams undisputed most valuable player this season, but … Continue Reading