TAV think your making too big a deal out of how many of each in a lineup. I have a feeling this will shift around all year. I really do think they will be better and challenge for playoffs. One, more depth in goal. I think Husso will only play a little more than half the games. Two, a deeper team on offense with more scoring. Two years ago, if Larking or Bert were not great every night we had no chance. Also think of the better depth. Two years ag our third or fourth line was Pius Suter, Adam Erne and maybe Givani Smith.Now its Fabbri, Bergers and Sprong or Fischer. That is a big upgrade.

    Then on defense you have guys like Gotisbere, Petry instead of Hagg, LIndstrom and Osterle. That is a big upgrade. Reimer and Lyon for depth in goal instead of Ned and Hellberg. I personally thought Ned should have been given more of a chance to rebound, but Hellberg was not a regular NHL goalie. Happy that Ned has rebounded and found a gig in PIttsburgh.

    We will find out soon enough what will happen.

I think Chiarot and the whole D look ready to roll. All the Veterans look pleased to be here. Perron especially. Good signs all.

I believe they’ll stay with what works if the current lines work out, but if parts aren’t working they’ll mix n match until they fix up a good fit wasting no time in doing so.

The roster’s been built up to support many looks. I expect to see many looks because it makes them harder to know from the opponent’s view.

These Wings are experienced very hard to play against players. Many also have additional situational skills.

The Defense in particular is outstanding. Lalonde is an exceptional coach with his first solid Red Wings team this year. No holes, no student drivers. They won’t be last years Wings for certain. Think playoff team LGRW!

Having Soderblom or Berggren slot in to add a different dimension and having Fischer be the 13th forward ready to jump on the 4th line after the inevitable injury sounds like keeping options open. This sounds like he is expecting no injuries or to carry 3 goalies long term, which are both foolish. I guess your first sentence above is appropriate in that we will see how it works out.

It is not expecting too much either since this team always fades or more appropriate the real contenders turn it on later so if they are .500 or less by Thanksgiving or Christmas they are likely done for. They need to surprise some teams and take advantage early to build a good cushion if they can. Might seem crazy but hope for say 14 wins in the first 22 games. Then shoot for just over .500 from there and you will be in the hunt till the end.

If not could be another tent sale at the TDL and that would not go down well with the fan base, ownership or really anybody. If they are not near the hunt the last week or so like last year it will be a big step back. Hope he knows what he is doing going with his we are fine 11/7 from the start.