Central Division bloggers preview the Red Wings

by Dirk Hoag on Sep 24, 2007 11:02 AM EDT

Our Central Division bloggers roundtable of NHL previews continues today with the Detroit Red Wings, covered by the blogs mentioned below. I'll have the Nashville Predators preview in this space next Monday.

Behind The Jersey: Christy takes a look at the changes in personnel from last season, with the Wings shedding "deadweights" Robert Lang and Kyle Calder up front, and of course Mathieu Schneider on the blue line. Those three are basically being replaced by Brian Rafalski, Dallas Drake, and a younger player who gets on opportunity, which should keep the Wings typically talented on defense, with a bit more grit up front. The biggest risk to team success is going to be the health of Dominik Hasek, and whether he can sustain Detroit through the long regular season and remain in condition for a playoff drive.

Gorilla Crouch: Dave ponders some of the interesting questions heading into the new season, such as whether Johan Franzen can develop into a legitimate power forward, whether Jiri Hudler is ready to step into a larger role, who's going to fill in the depth spots on the blue line, and if the Wings are going to follow Anaheim's lead and go with a tougher, more aggressive style of play.

Kukla's Korner: George James Malik chimes in with a lengthy, detailed post reviewing all aspects of the team, including his concern (which I agree with) about the number of players who've left Detroit since April, and whether letting young guys step up will really pan out.

So far, these folks have shied away from making a prediction about the fate of the Central this season, but all sensible parties have the Red Wings winning the division handily.

There will be a few more of these popping up later today, so check back for an update.

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