DETROIT RED WINGS: 08-09 Season Preview

07-08 RECORD: 54-21-7 115 points
DIVISION: 1st
CONFERENCE: 1st
RESULT: Won Stanley Cup

OFF-SEASON:
ARRIVALS: RW Marian Hossa(ATL/PITT), LW Ville Leino(EUR), G Ty Conklin(PITT)
DEPARTURES: LW Dallas Drake, G Dominik Hasek

The rich get richer! When talking about the Red Wings off-season pretty much every conversation starts with that phrase. The Red Wings signed Marian Hossa, the most coveted free agent on the market to a one year contract. Hossa pretty much slapped the entire NHL, especially the Pittsburgh Penguins in the face by agreeing to this term because he past up on other multi-year deals for more money. Hossa obviously wants to win and win now. This will probably Hossa's only season with the Wings but it could bring something very special. The Wings will look to be the first repeat champion since they did it back during the 96-98 seasons. Hossa wont even be on Detroit's top line but will give the Wings potentially three 90 point scorers and 30+ goal scorers. The Red Wings also added former Penguin Ty Conklin to back-up Chris Osgood. The Wings still have some work to do to get under the 56 million dollar salary cap, so stayed tuned on that.

CAP HIT: 57.4 million

FORWARDS:
My Projected Lines:
1- P.DATSYUK-H.ZETTERBERG-T.HOLMSTROM
2- J.FRANZEN-V.FILPPULA-M.HOSSA
3- J.HUDLER-K.DRAPER-D.CLEARY
4- K.MATLBY-T.KOPECKY-M.SAMUELSSON
E- V.LEINO-D.HELM-A.DOWNEY

The Red Wings were 3rd in the NHL in goals per game last season, which was good enough to win a Stanley Cup. So what will happen with the added scoring power of a Marian Hossa? Well you make your own predictions but the Wings will be tough to beat. Lead up front by Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, the Wings have two of the best all-around players in the NHL. Both can score 90-100 points while also being a candidate for the Selke trophy as leagues best defensive forward. Also of note Zetterberg is entering into a contract year, enough said. Tomas Holmstrom's job has been the same for the last decade, go to the net and make room for the Stars. He is the best in the business at it and will always be good for 60-70 points. Hossa will join Johan Franzen and Valtteri Filppula on the Wings second line. Franzen is yet another one of Detroit's gems that comes out of no where and has really proved he is a legitimate NHL sniper. Look for Franzen to reach the 30 goal plateau. Kris Draper anchor's the Wings third line and one would have to wonder what Detroit would do without this guy, he has clearly been as valuable as so many have the all-stars that have came through Detroit. Jiri Hudler and Dan Cleary will join him on the third line and both have the potential to score 20+ goals. Kirk Matlby, Tomas Kopecky and Aaron Downey bring the grit and toughness to the team. Mikael Samuelsson could be the odd man out but he a valuable trade asset especially after his strong playoff performance.

DEFENSE:
My Projected Pairings:
1- N.LIDSTROM-B.RAFALSKI
2- N.KRONWALL-B.STUART
3- A.LILJA-B.LEBDA
E- C.CHELIOS-D.MEECH

The Red Wings have the best top 6 in the league. Lead by captain and perennial Norris trophy candidate Nicklas Lidstrom, the Wings are solid from 1 to 6. Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski are probably the best pairing in the league while Niklas Kronwall could easily be a top2 defensemen on any other team. Kronwall brings another dimension to the Wings blueline with his ability to deliver bone crushing hits. Brad Stuart played probably his best hockey during last years Cup run and was rewarded with a contract extension. Brett Lebda also stepped up last season and cemented himself in the top 5. Andreas Lilja and 46 year old Chris Chelios will rotate in the number 6 spot. Derek Meech and Kyle Quincey could also push for a spot and if they really play well one of them or Lilja could also become valuable trade bait.

GOALIES:
1- C.OSGOOD
2- T.CONKLIN
3- J.HOWARD

The Wings could really put anyone in net with their blueline in front of him. Osgood probably wouldn't be a starter on many other teams but made the stops when he needed to and it was enough to win the Stanley Cup. Bringing in Conklin will help Osgood rest here and there but look for Conklin to see probably at least 25 games. Jimmy Howard will have to wait at least another season as he waits for his turn with the big club.

OVERALL:

The Wings have never looked better. From top to bottom their roster stayed in tacked from last years Cup winning team with the only addition of Hossa. The Wings have a very good shot of going back to back but in the new NHL and with teams being so competitive, in no way is it going to be a easy task. The Red Wings will be awfully hard to beat.

PREDICTION: 1st Division, 1st Conference