NHL Season Preview: Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings



Last Season's standings: record- 58-16-8 for 124 points. The Red Wings finished the season in 1st place in both the Central Division and the Western Conference. Unfortunately they bowed out in the 1st round of the playoffs.

In: Niklas Lidstrom D; Daniel Clearly F; Brett Lebda D; Matt Hussey F (prev. team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Dan Smith D (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers); Tomas Kopecky F; Danny Markov D (prev. team: Nashville Predators); Jason Williams F; Dominik Hasek G (prev. team: Ottawa Senators); Greg Johnson F (prev. team: Nashville Predators); Johan Frazen F; Chris Osgood G

Out: Mark Mowers F (new team: Boston Bruins); Don MacLean F (new team: Phoenix Coyotes); Bryan Helmer D (new team: Phoenix Coyotes); Manny Legace G (new team: St. Louis Blues); Steve Yzerman F (retired)

Season Outlook: Great. The Red Wings are a team full of veterans. They took a huge risk in signing 40-year-old Dominik Hasek who's injury prone. However, they have the two best defenseman in the league in Nick Lidstrom and Chris Chelios. Up front, the Wings are explosive with Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetteberg and Kris Maltby forming a line. They added scoring depth in signing Greg Johnson to a deal. Dan Smith will provide some depth on the blueline. I think this wings team is deep on the Blueline and up front. Their goaltending and its durability is the only question mark on this squad.

Season Prediction: Look for the Wings to repeat as President Trophy Champs.