Alex DeBrincat’s five goals in three games were enough to earn him recognition as the NHL’s No. 2 Star of the week.

He registered two goals and three points in a 6-3 win against Anaheim. DeBrincat also netted his 33rd game-winning goal in that contest.  He followed that with two goals in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres. DeBrincat tallied Detroit’s first goal in the Red Wings’ 2-1 win against the New York Rangers.

Coach Todd McLellan’s decision to insert DeBrincat on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond has had the desired impact. The Red Wings now have their version of a Super Line. The trio boasts chemistry and productivity: Raymond had seven points in those same three games, while Larkin totaled 14 shots on goal and four points in those same three outings.

Whether the line stays together may have more to do with how Patrick Kane performs over the next few games. Kane and DeBrincat also have a quality history together. The question that must be answered is” Is one Super Line better than two balanced lines?

Red Wings in Case You Missed It

Bob Duff writes about what we’ve been hearing about GM Steve Yzerman‘s team and organization.

Ninety-nine years ago today the Detroit Cougars played their first game. Six years later they would be the Red Wings.

Thanksgiving is approaching and the Red Wings are second in the Atlantic Division.

Red Wings Extra

When Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes registered four points in a game Sunday, NHL.com presented a list of defensemen with the most four-point games. Brian Leetch (14) holds the record, followed by Phil Housley (13) and Gary Suter (12). Curiously, the next three players were players who once wore the Winged Wheel. Chris Chelios was fourth (10), followed by Reed Larson (8) and Mark Howe (7).

Hockey Now Network

Boston: The Bruins placed 2019 first-round pick John Beecher on waivers. Boston Bruins. 

New Jersey: Injured Connor Brown, Dougie Hamilton and Evgenii Dadonov all practiced Monday. New Jersey Devils.

Philadelphia: Injured defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is skating again. It’s been three weeks since the Flyers said Ristolainen would be out four to six weeks. Philadelphia Flyers. 

San Jose: Jeff Skinner’s injury will keep him out week-to-week. San Jose Sharks.