WGD #32: Three things to watch for against Winnipeg
By Thomas Hall
4 years agoFollowing their 5-3 loss against the Penguins on Saturday, the Red Wings have now been defeated in eleven straight games, which is tied for the second-longest streak in franchise history. On the bright side, Detroit’s three goals against Pittsburgh were the most scored since their game back on Nov. 21, in Columbus.
Tonight’s matchup against the Jets will mark the first game of a home-and-home, which will conclude back in Detroit on Thursday. Coming into this game, Winnipeg has received at least one point in each of their previous three games. As for the Red Wings, their team hasn’t recorded a point in nine straight games. So, here’s hoping for both of Detroit’s miserable streaks ending tonight in Winnipeg.
Projected Lines
Detroit Red Wings
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
 TYLER BERTUZZI |  DYLAN LARKIN |  ROBBY FABBRI |
 LUKE GLENDENING |  VALTTERI FILPPULA |  FILIP ZADINA |
 DARREN HELM |  FRANS NIELSEN |  ADAM ERNE |
 BRENDAN PERLINI |  CHRISTOFFER EHN |  JUSTIN ABDELKADER |
| DEFENSIVE PAIRINGS | |
|---|---|
 PATRIK NEMETH |  MIKE GREEN |
 TREVOR DALEY |  FILIP HRONEK |
 ALEX BIEGA |  DYLAN MCILRATH |
Since Detroit was able to generate a trio of goals against Pittsburgh, head coach Jeff Blashill isn’t expected to make any changes to his lineup. During their defeat against the Penguins, the Red Wings’ first line finally created some chemistry even without forward Anthony Mantha.
Over the past few games, Robby Fabbri has been paired alongside Tyler Bertuzzi and Dylan Larkin. Prior to Saturday night’s game, the trio hasn’t been able to produce consistently. However, Detroit’s top line created five of their eight points against Pittsburgh. So, this newly formed trio should be able to create similar success against this Jets squad.
Winnipeg Jets
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
 KYLE CONNOR |  MARK SCHEIFELE |  PATRIK LAINE |
 NIKOLAJ EHLERS |  BLAKE WHEELER |  JACK ROSLOVIC |
 ANDREW COPP |  ADAM LOWRY |  MATHIEU PERREAULT |
 JOONA LUOTO |  NICK SHORE |  LOGAN SHAW |
| DEFENSIVE PAIRINGS | |
|---|---|
 JOSH MORRISSEY |  TUCKER POOLMAN |
 LUCA SBISA |  NEAL PIONK |
 NATHAN BEAULIEU |  ANTHONY BITETTO |
Through 30 games this season, the Jets have been forced to rely heavily on their offense and goaltending as well. Given the lack of skill within their blueline, Winnipeg hasn’t provided either of their goalies quality support in front of them. Aside from Josh Morrissey, who’s recorded 17 points this season, Winnipeg’s defense has struggled offensively as well.
As for their offense, the Jets own one of the best-producing lines in the league. Winnipeg’s first line featuring Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele and Patrick Laine has scored a combined 32 of their team’s 85 goals this season. Based on their success this season, the Red Wings may find it difficult to prevent the Jets’ top line from dominating during this game.
Three Thoughts
1.) Flurry of Scoring in 2nd Period
So far this season, both the Jets and Red Wings have surrendered massive amounts of goals during the middle period. Entering this game, Detroit has allowed the most goals in the second period (49), with the Jets allowing the eighth-most number of goals (35) as well.
While neither of these teams ranks within the top-15 regarding scoring in the second period, their high tendency of giving up goals in the middle frame could change things. Not to mention, the Red Wings will also be pushing to end their current losing streak. So, their desperation could lead to a high number of goals in the second period.
2.) Lack of Depth Scoring
Consistent production from their bottom-six forwards has become a major problem for Detroit this season. Not one player who’s featured on Detroit’s third and fourth lines has even scored at least five goals this season. To make matters worse, all three forwards on the Red Wings’ fourth line are without a goal this season.
Given the lack of talent throughout Detroit’s bottom-six forwards, this offensive drought is likely to continue against Winnipeg. For the Red Wings to outscore the Jets, they’ll need their top-six forwards to carry the load once again.
3.) Busy Night for Jets Goaltender
Given that starting goalie Connor Hellebuyck faced 33 shots back on Sunday against the Ducks, it would seem likely for backup goaltender Laurent Brossoit to make his eighth start of the season. The 26-year-old also hasn’t played in a game since Nov. 30 against Los Angeles.
Aside from Detroit’s last two games, where they’ve created a combined 59 shots on net, their team has largely struggled with creating consistent offensive pressure. Overall, the Red Wings have averaged the sixth-most shots on net per game (29.1) throughout the entire league. However, the Jets have allowed the third-most shots on net per game (33.2). So, the Red Wings should be able to create a ton of pressure against Brossoit during tonight’s game.
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