After a 2-0-1 week, the Red Wings are back in the win column and a playoff spot. It’s far from all sunshine and rainbows. I will be checking in on all the biggest story lines of the week and some major takeaways. If you want a deeper dive, please listen to the full version of our weekly recap on Inside the Rink’s Red Wings Podcast, this week featuring special guest Chris Langlois.

John Gibson Still Struggling: Even after some time to adjust to the defense, John Gibson has continued to be the worst of the Red Wings goaltending duo. Be his .875% save percentage or letting in more than four goals above expected, John Gibson has been the main source of blame for the Red Wings this week. Detroit will take on an easier week in terms of strength of schedule, seeing three non-playoff teams from last season in a row. Ideally, Gibson will find his footing in at least one of these matchups. Until he proves he can, Gibson is on the hot seat from a lot of Red Wings fans.

Moritz Seider Having a Polarizing Week: Despite finding his offense and helping the Red Wings with five points over the three games, Moritz Seider struggled a lot defensively. Seider gave up multiple breakaways, got caught pinching and turning the puck over, leading to goals the other way. The sloppy power play work led to him being removed from the top unit in favour of Axel Sandin-Pellikka. Seider will continue to man the first pairing as well as the second power play unit.

Top Line Magic: Larkin, Raymond, and DeBrincat were put back together and made some real magic happen. They factored in on over half of the Red Wings goals this week and have controlled play like no other line the Red Wings have tried this season. The great play resulted in DeBrincat being named the NHL’s second star of the week with 5 goals in 3 games.

Ice Cold Kasper: Sophomore slump might be an understatement for what Marco Kasper is feeling right now. The Red Wings centre has been demoted to the third line with rookie Nate Danielson and has been removed from the second power play unit. There’s no time to spare for the Red Wings, who continue to operate their lineup on a merit system. Kasper hasn’t earned a top-six role this season based on his having only 3 goals and no assists this season.

Trade Options Opening Up: The Red Wings frequently make trades with the Blues, and multiple reports have come out saying they are open for business. The Red Wings, who were also rumoured to be in on Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram in Buffalo, might have an option there again, too. The Sabres are also willing to make trades this week, according to multiple sources.

Benches Clear in MSG: At the end of the Red Wings at Rangers game, the benches emptied for an old-fashioned brawl after Mason Appleton slid the puck into the Rangers’ net after the final whistle. Jonathan Quick took exception to this and started what would become a full-on bench brawl. Postgame comments from Quick made it clear that he and his teammates were too exceptional to the goal; however, Red Wings players (and fans) noticed that the puck went in moments after the buzzer.

Lucas Raymond is Back: After fully shaking off an injury, Lucas Raymond is back to form. He led the Red Wings in points this week with 7 in 3 games. The star forward is now on pace for 90 points and, despite missing games, is among the league’s leaders in points.

More to Read:

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.