DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings were expected to be a playoff contender this season, but even the most optimistic fans couldn’t have envisioned a better start.
Since dropping the opener against New Jersey in a game that was tied deep into the third period, the Wings have ripped off five straight regulation wins, outscoring opponents 27-11 over that span. Now, 10 days into the season, they’re tied with the Bruins atop the Atlantic Division.
Detroit was always going to have to score a ton of goals to be a contender this season, and that’s why Steve Yzerman went out and acquired Alex DeBrincat from the Senators. In six games, DeBrincat has scored eight goals -- the most in the NHL. He also leads the league in points (12), and is third in plus-minus (+7).
DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin have proven to be a perfect pairing, with one leading the league in scoring and the other in assists. This has become a best-case scenario of Yzerman’s vision, but even he couldn’t have expected it to come together so quickly.
The question, obviously, is how much of this is a hot start and how much is a sign that the franchise is finally ready to return to the postseason for the first time in eight years. Fans have waited patiently for Yzerman to rebuild the roster, but it’s Year 5, and a playoff appearance is not too much to ask.
Last year, Detroit reached 80 points for the first time since 2016 under first-year head coach Derek Lalonde. Yzerman tried to capitalize on that momentum with win-now offseason signings, and so far, it’s paying off.
This week, the Wings welcome the Kraken and Jets to LCA before what’s setting up to be a juicy matchup with the Bruins. If they find a way to win in Boston -- look out, the hype train will really started moving.