Tuesday, September 22, 2015
| Detroit Red Wings April 2013-14 Schedule | ||||
| DATE | OPPONENT | RESULT | ||
| Apr 2 | vs Boston Bruins | Lost, 4-3 | ||
| Apr 4 | vs Buffalo Sabres | Lost, 3-2 | ||
| Apr 5 | at Montreal Canadiens | Won, 4-3 | ||
| Apr 8 | at Buffalo Sabres | Won, 6-4 | ||
| Apr 9 | at Pittsburgh Penguins | Lost, 5-3 | ||
| Apr 11 | vs Carolina Hurricanes | Lost, 2-1 | ||
| Apr 13 | at St. Louis Blues | Won, 5-2 | ||
Entry: 4/14/14
The regular season has concluded and the team qualified for the playoffs by a thin margin. In the end we captured the 42 wins that Illich said he expected out of this team at the beginning of the season so I guess it was a success. I’m still concerned though that it was a big mistake to leave the roster as is at the trade deadline. I trust our scoring is in good shape but the blue liners have struggled to get the puck out of the zone resulting in several chances for the opposing team.
The first round matchup will be against the Penguins, the second best team in the east. We went 1-2 against them in the regular season and they were all very hard fought games. I have confidence that with a healthy squad we can split the first four games and turn it into a best of three situation. From there we’ll just have to see how the cookie crumbles I guess.
With Pittsburgh there’s no real secret as to how you beat them. You’ve got to shut down Crosby & Malkin and just try to deal with the rest of their roster separately which, of course, is full of talent. I suspect Babs will assign guys to shadow the Pens’ stars in attempts to shut them down while allowing our scorers to worry about doing just that. Pittsburgh goalie Marc-Andre Fleury
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs anything can happen but I certainly have my doubts about this team’s ability to beat Pittsburgh.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
| Detroit Red Wings March 2013-14 Schedule | ||||
| DATE | OPPONENT | RESULT | ||
| Mar 4 | at New Jersey Devils | Lost, 7-5 | ||
| Mar 5 | vs TRADE DEADLINE | |||
| Mar 6 | vs Colorado Avalanche | Won, 6-3 | ||
| Mar 7 | vs New Jersey Devils | Lost, 3-2 | ||
| Mar 9 | at New York Rangers | Won, 5-2 | ||
| Mar 11 | at Columbus Blue Jackets | Lost, 3-2 | ||
| Mar 14 | vs Edmonton Oilers | Won, 4-3 | ||
| Mar 16 | at Chicago Blackhawks | Lost, 4-3 | ||
| Mar 18 | vs Toronto Maple Leafs | Won, 4-3 | ||
| Mar 20 | vs Pittsburgh Penguins | Lost, 5-2 | ||
| Mar 22 | at Minnesota Wild | Lost, 5-4 | ||
| Mar 23 | vs Minnesota Wild | Lost, 3-2 | ||
| Mar 24 | at Columbus Blue Jackets | Lost, 6-4 | ||
| Mar 27 | vs Minnesota Wild | Lost, 3-1 | ||
| Mar 29 | at Toronto Maple Leafs | Lost, 4-3 | ||
| Mar 30 | vs Tampa Bay Lightning | Won, 3-1 | ||
Entry: April 1st, 2014
Well March was a bloodbath. Just four wins in fourteen games and now the team is in risk of completely missing the playoffs. I knew when I accepted this position that the fan base would be looking to me for leadership and now that the team is struggling everyone is calling for my job since we didn’t make any moves on deadline day.
I felt that if we got everyone back and healthy it would basically be the same as making additions to the team but for some reason they cant get back the mojo they had in December and January. I’m concerned the guys are gassed after the Olympics but Babs can’t give any games off because now we need every point we can get.
In terms of making the playoffs we’re saved by the fact that our division and the rest of the Western Conference is very poor. None of the teams behind us have shown any pulse since the deadline. However a first round exit from the playoffs is almost as bad as not even making them for this franchise.
Despite the on ice disaster the team has suddenly turned into, the front office staff is all in business as usual mode and working hard to prepare for the offseason. The players below have their contracts up and several of which we’ll have to look hard at whether or not we will want to offer them another deal.
- Unrestricted Free Agents:
o Dan Cleary
o Todd Betruzzi
o David Legwand
o Kyle Quincey
o Brian Elliot
o Jonas Hustoffson
o Mikel Samuelsson
- Restricted Free Agents:
o Tomas Tatar
o Danny DeKeyser
o Riley Sheahan
o Corey Emmerton
o Mitch Callahan
o Landon Ferraro
o Max Nicastro
o Louis-Marc Aubry
o Andrej Nestrasil
March 6 2014
Wings Stand Pat on Deadline Day
Detroit, MI-- Red Wings’ interim General Manager Rick Watkins chose to stick with his current roster through to the end of the 2013-14 season as trade deadline day came and passed without any personnel moves from the team.
“The franchise has the utmost confidence in the roster we have and we believe just getting Abdelkater and Quincey back and healthy will be the best moves we can make at this point.” Watkins said this morning.
The Interim GM has a point in that getting two important players back and healthy just before the playoffs can be a big boost, however, the defense has at times shown cracks that speculators believe can’t be filled by Kyle Quincey’s return.
The team has lost their last four consecutive games and allowed an average of six goals over that span. Pundits and fans alike have assumed that performance (or lack there of) would make the Wings buyers on deadline day in an attempt to solidify a recently exposed corps of blue liners.
There is still speculation that the team could reach into the free agent market to add to the team, however, the lack of options provides little certainty.
For better or worse the Red Wings roster for the balance of the season is set.
Monday, September 14, 2015
| Detroit Red Wings February 2013-14 Schedule | ||||
| DATE | OPPONENT | RESULT | ||
| Feb 2 | vs Washington Capitals | Lost, 3-1 | ||
| Feb 3 | vs Vancuover Canucks | Won, 4-3 | ||
| Feb 6 | at Florida Panthers | Lost, 3-0 | ||
| Feb 8 | at Tampa Bay Lightning | Won, 2-1 | ||
| Feb 26 | at Montreal Canadiens | Lost, 3-2 | ||
| Feb 27 | at Ottawa Senators | Lost, 7-1 | ||
Entry: March 1st, 2014
Ken Holland formally retired the other day. I guess its not surprising as there had been rumors that he would do just that since September but I’ve tried to ignore them and keep my head in my work. Everyone in the front office has been very professional by just doing their work day in and day out and not constantly speculating as to whether the owner would make a change in staff. Regardless, with the somewhat sudden changes there is an air of uncertainty that’s undeniable.
I like to believe I’m secure in my job, as are the staff around me. Ken did an amazing job of building a fantastic team on and off the ice so the pressure continues to produce winning teams. If I’m lucky enough to secure the full time General Manager position I don’t think I’ll be making any changes to the people around me that’s for sure.
February was a tough month for the team though fortunately a short one as they went 2-4 including a 7-1 beat down at the hands of the Senators to close out the month. We’re still in solid shape for the playoffs at 35-22 but there are still 25 games to go in the season so really anything could happen. With the Olympics now behind us I’m hoping Babcock can find some games in the schedule to give our older players some nights off.
Over the break the staff and I looked closely at our roster to see if any deadline moves needed to be made to secure a deep run into the finals. Half the front office team is urging us to make a move to punch up our blue line while the other half is saying we ought to stand pat. I’m reticent to make any moves as the prospects we have are so promising and I think this team will be a true cup contender next season. If the phone rings with an interesting deal though we’ll have to consider it of course.
February 28th, 2014
Ken Holland Officially Retires as Wings’ Top Exec
Detroit, MI-- Longtime Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland announced in an emotional press conference at Joe Lewis Arena on Friday that he is cancer free but would not be returning to that position as had been previously planned.
Holland announced in September that he would be temporarily stepping down as GM so he could focus on his health after recently being diagnosed with stage two toe cancer. On Friday he made his full retirement official when he confirmed suspicions that he would not be returning to the franchise.
“Since stepping back from my duties in the front office earlier this season I’ve realized how much time I’ve missed with my family over the years.” Holland stated. “Now with a clean bill of health I know I need to cherish the time I have with the people I love.” The former team executive stated that he would be happy to support and help out the organization if asked, just not as the General Manager.
“This is a sad day for me because I love the Red Wings, but also a very hopeful one. I’m excited to begin this next phase of my life.”
Rick Watkins has been serving as the head team executive since Holland’s announcement in September and has been given the title of Interim General Manager as of Friday. Team owner Mike Illich stated that Watkins’ performance would be reviewed in the off season as to whether he would stay on as GM or if they would consider bringing in a new face.
“We have full confidence in Rick but this is a top position on a top franchise. We want to be sure that we’re moving forward with the right hire. At the moment Rick is the leading candidate.”
Thursday, September 10, 2015
| Detroit Red Wings January 2013-14 Schedule | ||||
| DATE | OPPONENT | RESULT | ||
| Jan 1 | vs Toronto Maple Leafs | Won, 1-0 | ||
| Jan 4 | at Dallas Stars | Won, 3-0 | ||
| Jan 9 | at San Jose Sharks | Won, 5-2 | ||
| Jan 11 | at LA Kings | Won, 5-4 | ||
| Jan 12 | at Anaheim Ducks | Won, 4-3 | ||
| Jan 16 | at New York Rangers | Won, 3-2 | ||
| Jan 18 | vs LA Kings | Lost, 3-2 | ||
| Jan 20 | vs St. Louis Blues | Lost, 4-2 | ||
| Jan 22 | vs Chicago Blackhawks | Won, 5-1 | ||
| Jan 24 | vs Montreal Canadiens | Lost, 5-3 | ||
| Jan 26 | vs Florida Panthers | Won, 2-1 | ||
| Jan 28 | at Philadelphia Flyers | Won, 3-0 | ||
| Jan 31 | vs Washington Capitals | Lost, 5-3 | ||
Entry: February 1st, 2014
Beggars can’t be choosers I guess. January was another fantastic month; the team went 9-4 with a seven game wining streak stretching back to the end of December. It would have been nice to keep the winning going and end the month stop the conference but in a league with so much parity a month five games over .500 is a success.
I think we’re in a solid position for the playoffs but there’s a lot of hockey to be played of course. February includes the two week Olympic break before a total blitz through March of 14 games.
From the executive’s point of view I absolutely hate the Olympic break. It’s basically sending our best players out to play intense, playoff style hockey right before the push for the playoffs. Injury, fatigue, and losing team chemistry are all risks when these guys go over to Sochi.
That all being said it’s a fantastic spectacle from a fan’s perspective. I wish I could get over there to take in some of the games but it’ll be all hands on deck in the front office throughout those two weeks. Not to mention the Griffins still have four games in that span.
Below is a list of guys headed to Sochi….
- Pavel Datsyuk (Russia)
- Vlad Taresenko (Russia)
- Henrik Zetterberg (Sweden)
- Niklas Kronwall (Sweden)
- Johan Franzen (Sweden)
- Jonas Gustavsson (Sweden)
- Jonathan Ericsson (Sweden)
- Tomas Tatar (Slovakia)
- Tomas Jurco (Slovakia)
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
| Detroit Red Wings December 2013-14 Schedule | ||||
| DATE | OPPONENT | RESULT | ||
| Dec 1 | at Ottawa Senators | Won, 3-2 | ||
| Dec 4 | vs Philadelphia Flyers | Lost, 4-3 | ||
| Dec 6 | at New Jersey Devils | Won, 5-2 | ||
| Dec 7 | vs Florida Panthers | Won, 4-3 | ||
| Dec 10 | at Florida Panthers | Won, 5-2 | ||
| Dec 12 | at Tampa Bay Lightning | Won, 6-4 | ||
| Dec 14 | vs Pittsburgh Penguins | Won, 4-3 | ||
| Dec 15 | vs Tampa Bay Lightning | Won, 5-4 | ||
| Dec 17 | vs Anaheim Ducks | Lost, 5-3 | ||
| Dec 19 | vs Calgary Flames | Won, 3-1 | ||
| Dec 21 | at Toronto Maple Leafs | Lost, 6-4 | ||
| Dec 23 | vs New York Islanders | Won, 2-1 | ||
| Dec 28 | at Florida Panthers | Lost, 5-1 | ||
| Dec 30 | at Nashville Predators | Won, 2-0 | ||
Entry: January 1st, 2014
No time for partying when the season is on… December was a fine month for this club. The team went 9-4 including a six game winning streak which launched us to third in the conference. Vlad Taresenko took just a game to get settled on the first line and has been pouring the puck into the net since then. He scored a hat trick in just his third game with the franchise!
On the flip side Elliot has been solid if serviceable between the pipes. Not a flashy guy he just comes to work and gets the job done. Babs confirmed my suspicion that there was a little unrest in the locker room after the trade but a six game winning streak will brighten anyone’s mood.
The injury bug finally caught up with the squad as both Justin Abdelkader and Kyle Quincey went down with separated shoulders nearly back to back. We’ve got Tomas Tatar and Dan Cleary to step up a line in Abdelkader’s place and Drew Miller to step onto the left side 4th line. Defensively we’ll have Brian Lashoff up from Grand Rapids to pair with Dekeyser. Everyone has been playing so fluidly together that making the needed adjustments didn’t seem to have a huge effect on the team’s on ice chemistry.
Though it’s only January the staff is beginning preparations for this off season. There may be a lot of turnover among our bottom six forwards with Bertuzzi, Legwand, and Cleary unrestricted, but that’s part of the business.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
December 4 2013
[center]
Howard Delt to St. Louis
Detroit, MI- In a shocking player for player trade on Tuesday the Red Wings sent longtime net minder Jimmy Howard to St. Louis in exchange for winger Vladmir Taresenko, goalie Brian Elliot, and a first round draft pick.
Although regular season player for player trades are not uncommon in the NHL it is rare to see franchise players switching teams as happened Tuesday.
With his team struggling to stay above the .500 mark at 16-14 and treading water in the middle of the Atlantic Division, interim general manager Rick Watkins decided it was time to shake up the roster.
“We were looking for someone to strengthen our wing that could put the puck in the net as well.” Watkins said after the trade was made public. “We were able to find that in a younger player with high upside as well in Valdmir (Taresenko)… We knew we had to look at making the move.”
Howard has spent his entire career in Detroit since coming up through their farm system in Grand Rapids. The Detroit front office is excited for Taresenko’s upside as a young player but the reaction to trading away a fan favorite has not been positive.
“Its never an easy decision when you’re looking to move a guy whose an all star that has been through your system but the upside outweighed the negatives.” Watkins said on the deal.
“It’s tough to say goodbye to Jimmy but we wish him all the luck in the world.” Head Coach Mike Babcock said about the trade. “We’re comfortable with (Brian) Elliot handling the duties between the pipes primarily and are excited to see what Vlad can bring to the lineup.”
Taresenko and Elliot are expected to meet the Wings in New Jersey for Frinday night’s matchup with the Devils.
Full trade details below:
To St. Louis:
G Jimmy Howard
D Mike Fontenot
To Detroit:
RW Valdmir Taresenko
G Brian Elliot
STL 2014 1st round pick
Entry: December 3rd, 2013
I haven’t yet spoken with Doug Armstrong (Blues GM) regarding Taresenko. They’re going to want a lot in order to give him up as they know better than anyone what a high ceiling that guys has.
Last night the staff and I came to a consensus that we would have to send Jimmy Howard over in order to get the Blues to move off Vlad. They need goaltending help plus with Howard’s skill up to this season and his long term deal we can probably get them to send over another net minder to take his place for us.
I am concerned about the backlash of trading away a guy that everyone in and around the franchise loves. I think if Taresenko can hit the ground running the fan base and media pundits may change their tune in a hurry but if the deal doesn’t work out I’m sure I’ll be the butt of many jokes going forward.
If I had my preference I’d obviously keep Jimmy & add some sort of scoring power but frankly our premier net minder isn’t getting the job done at the moment. No matter anyone’s personal feelings in the end though this is a business, I spoke with Illich & Ken and they both told me they trusted my judgment.
--
After a lot of back and forth I decided to pursue the deal. The rest of the staff says we should propose Howard and an agreed upon AHLer for Taresenko, Brian Elliot, and two draft picks. I think the deal will help the team both in the long and short term. Now I just have to hope Brian Elliot doesn’t turn out to be a sieve.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Entry: December 2nd, 2013
The team is struggling, it’s just plain to see. The offense is pressing, the defense is lost at times trying to clear the zone and Jimmy Howard suddenly has the highest GAA of any starting net minder in the league. I feel like we need to shake up the roster or maybe bring up some fresh blood from Grand Rapids but I can’t be sure.
There is no doubt that there is a lack of scorers on the roster. Our scouts show Datsyuk and Zetterberg as play makers while in reality they’re our two best shooters. Nyquist is playing incredibly well for his age but I’m going to start looking for a sniper to bring into the top two lines, someone who is a natural scorer.
--
I got the staff working on potential trade opportunities with an eye for scoring talent. Half of us looked at our roster while the other half began looking around the league for someone to fill the hole.
Of course there isn’t much that we’re willing to part with, or at least anyone who will command a top six forward. The best option would be to trade away draft pick or an AHLer like Jurco or Sheahan but I don’t want to mortgage the franchise’s future for a possible short term fix that might not even work out.
Looking at trade partners, we’ve circled in on St. Louis and possibly going after Vladmir Taresenko. His skill set is exactly what we’re looking for and the scouts tell me he has a very high ceiling. Also the price is right. Now we just have to find someone the Blues want.
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