THW Daily - Red Wings’ Goaltending Struggles & Why Patrick Kane’s Hip Surgery Will Affect His Play
Also, possible changes coming for Devils, the latest news and rumors from Toronto & more
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Daily
In today’s edition, we have why the Red Wings goaltending is holding them back, thoughts on Patrick Kane after hip surgery in the offseason, possible changes coming to New Jersey’s lineup, and much more.
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Devils Line Shake-Up & Potential Quick-Fixes Via Free Agency
November 14, 2023 by Josh Reinitz
It is unfair to expect the New Jersey Devils to thrive in the long run with the absence of either Nico Hischier or Jack Hughes, let alone trying to succeed in the face of losing both for what appears to be at least three weeks. The two first-overall draft picks are the cornerstones of the franchise rebuild. Every other player brought in by general manager Tom Fitzgerald throughout the rebuild has been in service to supporting the growth of Hischier and Hughes and placing them in a position to be successful.
Fitzgerald’s rebuild and roster construction will be studied by other managers for years to come as he found ways to cast off contracts and players that didn’t serve his goals, all while also acquiring undervalued assets that have become team mainstays.
Red Wings’ Goaltending is Holding Them Back
November 14, 2023 by Devin Little
They say the “great eraser” in hockey is a good goaltender. If a team is allowing too many chances in the defensive zone, a good goaltender will erase those mistakes. If a team is struggling to convert on their opportunities in the offensive zone, a good goaltender will keep them in the game while they rely on the law of averages to yield a goal. Sometimes the difference between playoff hockey and a long summer off is a game that a goaltender stole.
The Detroit Red Wings entered this season with a familiar face atop the depth chart in goal: Ville Husso. Behind him on the depth chart are James Reimer and Alex Lyon, both of which occupy a spot on the roster. While much has been made about which guys have played and which ones haven’t, the Red Wings have struggled to keep the puck out of their net regardless of who is in the crease.
Senators Should Trade Mathieu Joseph While His Value is High
November 14, 2023 by Paul Quinney
Many Ottawa Senators fans have egg all over their face after demanding earlier this season that Sens management trade Mathieu Joseph to create the cap space needed to sign Shane Pinto. All that was before the Long Island gamester was suspended for 41 games for “activities relating to sports wagering” and Joseph began putting together what looks like a bounce-back season.
Yet Ottawa fans seem to have different reasons for sighing a breath of relief that the Quebec-born winger is still skating in a Senators sweater. Some of them love his performance this season and say the team needs him. Others still want him shipped out of Bytown, but like that, his trade value has gone up since his dismal 2022-23 season. So should Joseph be traded or should he stay? Let’s take a look at the argument.
Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Timmins, Kampf, Sammy & Antropov
November 14, 2023 by The Old Prof
By the time this post is read, the Toronto Maple Leafs should have landed in Stockholm, Sweden. Over the next week, they will play in the 2023 NHL Global Series. The team faces the Detroit Red Wings on Friday and the Minnesota Wild on Sunday.
Although coach Sheldon Keefe noted the biggest challenge of the journey was adjusting to the time change, he believed there was ample time for the team to adjust to the new time zone. The Red Wings have already held a practice in Sweden on Monday and will play a game against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday.
Patrick Kane’s Hip Surgery Suggests Slow 2023-24 Season
November 14, 2023 by Justin Giampietro
Players have not always fared well after undergoing hip surgery in the offseason just a few months before their new campaign starts. This is especially true of veterans, a category where Patrick Kane finds himself with nearly 1200 NHL games in his career. Which players have had it rough returning after a hip procedure, and do they impact the free-agent star who had resurfacing surgery this summer?
Blackhawks May Need to Lock Rink to Keep Bedard Off the Ice
November 14, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
While the Chicago Blackhawks have started the 2023-24 season with mixed results (5-8-0 record), they are heading in the right direction by their play on the ice. A major reason for this is the arrival of rookies Connor Bedard and Kevin Korchinski. The general expectation is that these two will be long-term parts of the Blackhawks’ core, and they have not disappointed so far this campaign.
A big reason behind their success is not only their skill but also their immense drive. Bedard and Korchinski are two young players who are constantly aiming to improve, and Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson recently discussed this with reporters.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
St. Louis Blues - Blues Should Entertain a Binnington Trade
New York Rangers - Pros & Cons Of Rangers’ Unofficial Bye-Week
Vancouver Canucks - Canucks’ Scorers Leading the League Early in 2023-24
NHL News & Rumors - Bruins, Panthers, Canadiens, Oilers
From TSN - Insider Trading: Flames open for business
From Sportsnet - 'It's been a dream': William Nylander headlines Maple Leafs' rare Sweden trip
From ESPN - Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl fined $5K for dangerous trip
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