Fret not, Wings will survive their injuries
It's silly, really. Some angst about the Red Wings is understandable, considering all their injuries, but let's not overblow it. If anything, a little adversity probably is accomplishing precisely what the organization would like: Dialing down expectations a tad, so fans don't consider playoff appearances a God-given guarantee.
Will the Wings make the playoffs for the 19th consecutive season? Yep, they will, and it's shrieky to think otherwise (barring more injuries).
The Wings are missing big forward Johan Franzen and nifty center Valtteri Filppula, but both should return before the playoffs. The Wings still have three of the top 15 players n the world -- Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk -- and they still have a title-tested goalie (Chris Osgood) playing very well now.
When long-time team executive Jimmy Devellano suggested the other day it'd be a "miracle" for the Wings to get home-ice advantage in the playoffs, he was being classic Jimmy D -- a smart guy who likes to fret.
I actually think all the injuries will force the Wings to return to a more-responsible defensive style, something they never quite reached last season, even as they came within one victory of repeating as champs. They showed their savvy and experience in a 2-1 victory over hot San Jose the other night, and while they'll struggle at times to score goals, they're not sliding out of sight, trust me.
I think the Wings will end up somewhere between a three seed and five seed in the West, and while they won't be picked to win the Cup, they'll be dangerous when it matters. You can't say it's the same as always around the Joe, but the Wings are not as far away as you think.
