The Daily: Red Wings Have Seat at Thanksgiving Table; NHL Trade Talk

It’s Thanksgiving and the Detroit Red Wings have more to be thankful for than the homemade whipped cream for the pumpkin pie.

After downing the New Jersey Devils 4-0 Wednesday night, the Red Wings (9-6-3)  hold the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. That’s important because it’s NHL tradition to believe that teams in a postseason position on “American Thanksgiving” are likely to be there in April. The numbers say there is roughly a 75% probability.

Red Wings fans will take that, especially given how poorly the power play has performed for the past 11 games and how inconsistent goaltending has been all season. And let’s not forget that Detroit’s defensive play has also been up and down.

The Red Wings have a percentage points advantage over the Philadelphia Flyers for the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Both teams have 21 points.

The whipped cream on Wednesday’s win was the play of Alex Lyon. He only faced 16 shots and the win was more about team play than goalie play. But in his games this season, Lyon has displayed considerable confidence. It feels like the Red Wings need that confidence. With Husso giving up three or more goals in nine of his 10 starts this season, perhaps Lyon will get an expanded role moving forward.

Great giveaway last night. The Zamboni gravy boat was a big hit.
Keep an eye on Red Wings social media this morning because the People’s Announcer will show you the proper way to use your Zamboni gravy boat for your Thanksgiving dinner today.

— Ken Kal (@KenKalDRW) November 23, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman is excited about the potential of his Swedish prospects.
• Behind the paywall: Carter Mazur has been strong coming off his injury.
• Henrik Zetterberg has been a mentor for Lucas Raymond. Has there been a hotter player than Raymond. He scored again in the triumph against the New Jersey Devils.

Red Wings Next Game

After enjoying Thanksgiving dinner at home, the Red Wings travel to Boston for a Friday matinee against the Bruins.  With Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retiring, the Bruins were supposed to be taking a step back this season. But that has not been the case. The Bruins own the NHL’s best record of 14-1-3. But the Red Wings gave them their only regulation loss on Nov. 4. The Bruins are 5-0-2 in their last seven games.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Coach Jim Montgomery says rookie Matthew Poitras (one point in six games) needs to kick-start himself back into gear. Boston Bruins.

Chicago: Nate Brown has three Thanksgiving thoughts on the Chicago Blackhawks‘ future.

Florida: The Florida Panthers feel like the have a seat at the NHL table on Thanksgiving.

Montreal: MHN explains the pros and cons of trading each of the Montreal Canadiens goalies.

Pittsburgh: Defenseman Erik Karlsson and forward Jake Guentzel explain why the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ power play is impotent.

San Jose:  San Jose Sharks players talk turkey about another foul performance on the ice.