Marco Kasper isn’t the only youngster who rediscovered some offensive confidence on the Detroit Red Wings’ recent road trip.

Kasper’s six points over his past five games drew attention because he’s playing on the top line. But the Red Wings are just as pleased with Emmitt Finnie picking up two assists in two games, playing on the third line with James van Riemsdyk and JT Compher.

“Emmitt had the shot out of a gun at the beginning of the year (and) just took the team and the city here by storm because it was unexpected,” Detroit coach Todd McLellan said. ” Now there’s expectations, and we’re pushing him to live up to that.”

Finnie went 13 games without registering a point. He was playing hard, but wasn’t getting many shots on goal. He started this season playing on Detroit’s top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.

“It’s not an easy thing to be playing at this time of the year in the NHL,” McLellan said. “It’s a grind. He’s been through it in junior, but having not played with Dylan and Razor now for a little while, he still found ways to be effective and to use his speed. Offensively, it hasn’t been there as much, but that’s okay. But his speed, his tenacity, his ability to loosen up pucks for linemates, penalty kill when he gets the chance, a little bit of power play, kind of all over the map, still effective.”

Similar to the Kasper situation, the Red Wings are hoping Finnie’s offense will also be there this week for the three home games, starting tonight against GM Ken Holland’s Los Angeles Kings.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Detroit prospect Dimitri Buchelnikov is working to be ready for a February return to KHL action. He’s recovering from shoulder surgery.

The way the NHL schedule worked out, the Red Wings have no home games in February. The Olympic break takes up most of the month.

Red Wings Extra

When you count Detroit prospect Rudy Guimond’s regular-season and playoffs for the Moncton Wildcats, his combined record is 51-6-2. This season, he’s 27-5-2 with a 2.35 goals-against average and .920 save percentage.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: It’s going to be touch-and-go about injured Gabriel Landeskog being ready to play for Sweden in the Olympics. Colorado Avalanche. 

New Jersey: Cody Glass and the New Jersey third line are playing well enough that the Devils may not be looking to upgrade that trio via trade. New Jersey Devils. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski sorts out what the Penguins might be doing before the NHL trade deadline. Pittsburgh Penguins.