The Daily: Red Wings Need Sweden Wins; Flames Listening to Offers

The Detroit Red Wings (8-5-2)  seem to understand that picking up wins is the most important objective of their week stay in Sweden. They play their Thursday against the Ottawa Senators (2 p.m.) and Friday against the Toronto Maple Leafs (2 p.m.).

The Senators trail the Red Wings by six points for a Atlantic Division playoff spot, but the Senators have two games in hand. The Maple Leafs and Red Wings are currently tied for third place in the Atlantic Division.  They are both currently in a playoff spot.

Clearly, Detroit players have been talking about the importance of accumulating points on this trip. Before heading to Sweden, Larkin said his focus was on playing “two big hockey games.”

So fun seeing everyone today! #LGRW https://t.co/uDi0unO7uM

— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) November 14, 2023

If they can earn three or four points on this trip, it might give them momentum heading into Thanksgiving. One of the maxim’s of life in the NHL teams is that teams in a playoff spot on American Thanksgiving will be there in April.  It’s not always true, but it has been true enough to give fans hope.

If the Red Wings leave Sweden at 10-5-2, they likely will be in a playoff spot on Thanksgiving

Meanwhile, there’s plenty of trade talk around the NHL involving the Calgary Flames. TSN.ca is reporting that the Flames are listening to inquiries over Nikita Zadorov, Noah Hanfin, Chris Tanev and Elias Lindholm. The Flames (5-8-2) rank 26th in the NHL.  All four of those players will be UFAs this summer

Red Wings Next Game

Captain Dylan Larkin’s Red Wings play the Atlantic Division rival Ottawa Senators Thursday in Stockholm Sweden. The Senators (6-7-0) are in last place in the Atlantic Division, while the Red Wings (8-5-2) are currently in a playoff spot.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Bob Duff writes about how the Detroit Red Wings were involved in the first NHL game in Europe in 1938
• Patrick Kane is still considering the Red Wings as one of his free agent signing options.
• Paywall story: Tim Robinson writes that Marco Kasper is making some progress in adjusting to the smaller North American ice.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis (Drafted 67th in 2023) netted two goals 10 seconds apart for Peterborough in Ontario Hockey League play. He has 12 goals in 17 games. Chicago Blackhawks

Philadelpha: Injured defenseman Marc Staal and Risto Ristolainen were the first two players on the ice for practice Tuesday, and they are getting closer to returning to the lineup. Carter Hart revealed is coming off food poisoning. Phladelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby likes playing Columbus. He has 20 goals and 57 points in 39 games against Columbus. He had a hat trick and four points to help the  Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5-3 win at Nationwide Arena.

Washington: Charlie Lindgren’s goaltending was a primary reason were able to topple the Vegas Golden Knights. Washington Capitals.