Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The “kid-line” in Detroit has helped push the Red Wings into the top spot in the Atlantic Division, and head coach Todd McLellan’s genius decision is partly to credit.
The first-place Red Wings have filled a niche role in their lines, which are almost exclusively manned by prospects.
Kid lines in the past have consisted of players who’d flourish into competitors who dominate the NHL (see Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry).
While it’s difficult to see where the Red Wings are going (Stanley Cup maybe?), the outlook is upwards, as they occupy the 1st spot in the Atlantic.
Danielson would score his first NHL goal against the Seattle Kraken in the 4-2 victory against the Pacific Division team and would tally an assist later on a cross-ice pass to Finnie.
Red Wings’ ‘kid line’ receives praise from TNT host Paul Bissonnette
This magic on the ice manifested because McLellan wanted to see how well they’d play together on the same line.
«We thought that they would complement each other,» Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said. «And for one, two periods in one night, they did a real good job.»
Not only do they click offensively, but they also play a two-hundred-foot game, which impressed McLellan undoubtedly.
The two twenty-year-olds have linked up for something special in the Red Wings lineup and dominate the opposition when they play.
Are they meant for bigger things?
Danielson has been a godsend for a team that needs more secondary scoring as of late, and they play well together.
«You gotta see them for the player they are,» McLellan said. «Just because you’re 27 or 28 years old, that doesn’t mean you’re the go-to guy. There may be a 22-year-old who’s playing better or gives the team more.
Thanks to their help, the Red Wings are now 12-7-1 and 1st in the Atlantic Division ahead of hosting the New York Islanders on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
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Red Wings roll into first in the Atlantic Division with help of new ‘kid line’ from Todd McLellan
Do you like the Detroit Red Wings “kid-line” consisting of forward Emmitt Finnie and forward Nate Danielson?