The beginning of a new era for Detroit Red Wings defense

The Detroit Red Wings gave up five or more goals 18 times last season and surrendered four in 19 other games. Consequently, they needed at least five goals to win nearly half of their games, an unrealistic expectation in the NHL.

In contrast, the Florida Panthers, their Atlantic Division rivals and the Stanley Cup champions gave up five or more goals in just eight games and allowed two or fewer goals 41 times.

Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman emphasized the need to reduce goals against next season, involving goalies, defensemen, and forwards. The Red Wings ranked 24th in goals-against average, with the bottom 10 teams missing the playoffs.

Yzerman aims for more predictable and dependable defensive coverage, advocating for simplicity and practice. He highlighted the league's offensive trend, noting that top teams excel in defensive stats. The arrival of Simon Edvinsson and potentially Albert Johansson should strengthen the blue line, while Justin Holl may play an expanded role.

To make the playoffs, the team must reduce its goals from 273 to around 250, with improvements expected from Moritz Seider and its four goalies: Ville Husso, Cam Talbot, Alex Lyon, and Jack Campbell.

Source: DetHockeyNow
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