Red Wings led by undrafted Glendening - surprise team in the NHL

Submitted by Zoltanrules on

Time to give these guys some love!

Not too late to jump on the bandwagon for the best, surprise feel good Michigan team in recent memory (currently tied for first place nearing the half way point). Aside from Datsyuk and Zetterberg there are no real stars, just a collection of young kids, MANY from the college ranks, who are fast and busting their behinds, playing for the best coach in Michigan (any level, any sport). They play terrific team defense and the 4th line is as important as the first.

Abdelkader (MSU) is on IR and has improved so much it is hard to believe. Our own Glendening(UM) has gone from being undrafted to being a main stay on the league's elite penalty kill along with Miller (MSU). The pesky Sheahan (Notre Dame) is becoming a star as is Dekeyser (Western Mich) along wth other very young Euros (Tatar and Nyquist). Smith (Wisconsin) is also impressive. They are all backstopped by Howard (Maine) who aside from not being good at shootouts (which is the topic for a whole other thread) is growing up to be top shelf.

I just love how unselfish this team is and how almost shy they are off the ice - just kids having fun, playing workmanlike hard, respecting the game. I have seen several of these guys at local rinks and they couldn't be more normal people and many like Glendening seem to be just so appreciative just to be in the big leagues.I can't recall the last time one was in papers for doing something illegal/stupid. Very easy to root for.

Big Orignal 6 game tonight at the rested Toronto... will be another game they wont be favored in, on paper, but they somehow will battle and probably get points.

 

Inflames

December 13th, 2014 at 5:21 PM ^

Get some love. Hes a really cool guy and very down to earth. He lives a street over from me and frequents this neighborhood ice cream shop at the end of my street. Ive spoken with him a few times and hes always very nice.

NorthSideBlueFan

December 13th, 2014 at 4:17 PM ^

I don't catch as many games as I used to in my younger days, but I was pretty excited to see their renewed success of late until those two silly ass OTL's the last couple nights. Does the city feel that Kenny has figured it out once again or is it something else that is causing the return to high level results?

Optimism Attache

December 13th, 2014 at 4:29 PM ^

Agree. I'm impressed that the Wings are finding a way to win this season. I really thought they were going to take a bit of a dive these past couple seasons, but I've been pleasantly surprised. I've got tickets to see them when they come to town next month and am pretty excited to watch some of this young talent. 

Optimism Attache

December 13th, 2014 at 4:21 PM ^

There is a strong precedent to categorize players from across the pond as primarily "Euro" or "[home country]". Now, I wouldn't be opposed to adding Nyquist's college, but should we also add the home country of every other player? I argue we should, because we must apply these conventions equitably to all players. 

McSomething

December 13th, 2014 at 4:24 PM ^

I figured the team would start breaking out soon-ish should they be able to stay healthy. Especially with the immense talent the young guys seems to have, added to what we know most of the veterans still have. I'm surprised to see them doing so well so soon this season, but only a little so.

2heartedUM

December 13th, 2014 at 4:31 PM ^

The young players are giving the team a huge boost. Now that experience and hard work is starting to pay off. Babcock seems to be great at coaching defense. Thats what Won Canada a Gold metal last winter.  Still need to get Franzen going. 

alum96

December 13th, 2014 at 4:31 PM ^

I'm confused to read a Red Wings comment on a message board without someone complaining about Holland.

I really like this team - wish we had a 2nd stud D but 2 years ago I was worried who would replace Zetterberg and Datysuk down the line and it looks like we have some guys who might never get to their caliber but at least can get to "very good" level in the NHL.  It is fun to root for teams with little expectations.

Baughlieve

December 13th, 2014 at 4:50 PM ^

There's some talented D-men(Sproul, Marchenko, Backman and Jensen) in Grand Rapids, we just have to wait for them to develop. Oullet has looked good in a couple games that he's been called up. I just hope Holland sticks with the plan and doesn't end up trading for someone like Myers. The next wave of young players have a shot at making this team a real contender again. Especially if guys like Mantha, Pulkkinen and Larkin reach their potential. 

Baughlieve

December 13th, 2014 at 6:18 PM ^

They have been relatively healthy(knock on wood) compared to last year. Credit to Glendening, I never thought he would become a regular on the Wings. His style of play reminds me of Kirk Maltby.

BTW-If anyone wants a maize and blue Wings hat, you can get one with tickets to the GLI.

chatster

December 13th, 2014 at 4:42 PM ^

For those of us who aren't Red Wings fans, there's a site that lists NHL players who've played at NCAA schools.

The number of NHL players with NCAA experience has been increasing steadily since 2000.  LINK

Other Michigan players besides Luke Glendening in the NHL:
 
Anaheim - Andrew Cogliano
Arizona - Chris Summers and David Moss
Columbus - Jack Johnson
Florida - Al Montoya
Montreal - Max Pacioretty
Nashville - Eric Nystrom
New Jersey - Jon Merrill, Mike Cammalleri
New York Rangers - Matt Hunwick and Carl Hagelin
Pittsburgh - Andrew Ebbett
San Jose - Mike Brown
Washington - Chris Brown
Winnipeg - Jacob Trouba

TheDirtyD

December 13th, 2014 at 4:49 PM ^

Um I love the wings more than any other team but that's a bit of a stretch to say Glenny is leading them.... If anything Howard or Gus is. Hank is also having a great start.

Jmilan

December 13th, 2014 at 4:52 PM ^

Lot of season left at this point but they have been a pleasant surprise. They finally are playing a quicker brand of hockey and also more physical than previous years. Tony Granato has been huge for their penalty killing which was an Achilles heel last season. Really glad they changed their power play break in as well. That whole process of hitting the blue line and passing back to a defenseman was painful to watch last year. I get the concept but it seemed more often than not they had problems gaining the zone to set up.

Lou MacAdoo

December 13th, 2014 at 5:13 PM ^

The fact that they've been pretty healthy has been nice as well. I felt like they were on the verge of a breakout last year but injuries slowed them down. They were still a blast to watch last year but the defense was just not there. It's nice to see the defense improve with mainly the same group. Their forwards are a blast to watch. The amazing puck possession game they've been famous for looks to be back near that level.




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flashOverride

December 13th, 2014 at 5:30 PM ^

I don't know about the "led by Glendening" part, or the "surprise" part, really. I knew this team would be good as soon as the kids bridged the experience gap. It's cool that the Wings have four guys who came out of college hockey programs in this state, even if two of them came from an undesirable one. 

Zoltanrules

December 13th, 2014 at 6:32 PM ^

BUT, he has become one of the best defensive forwards and penalty killers in the NHL from zero expectations.

The 5 on 3,  and 4 minute power play kills were beauties yesterday and theywould have lost without Glendening's play. Miller and Helm were outstanding in this area too. Abdelkader is another guy that is just a painin the ass to play against. These guys typify the type of lunch pail, blood and guts, defense first, non-stop effort that wins Stanley Cup Series (along with solid goalkeeping).

If anyone predicted this type of success before the season, I salute you and please give me lotto numbers : )

Finally, Zetterberg has put up decent numbers but is not playing up to his abilities and Franzen is just awful. Datsyuk is legendary but has been out several games this season, including every time I go to the Joe. All in all credit has to go to the kids.

Lou MacAdoo

December 13th, 2014 at 7:03 PM ^

Did you realize Franzen has 15 pts in 18 games this year. His shot's dangerous and he has the ability to snipe anytime he has it around the net. Other than that he does look pretty useless most the time.




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Lou MacAdoo

December 13th, 2014 at 7:49 PM ^

I agree. I know management and the fans expected more when he signed that big deal for eleven years. Throw in the frustration of seeing Hossa do his thing in Chicago's high flying attack and you get the feeling he's always going to underperform expectations. He surely doesn't throw around and sacrifice his body enough for his size. I think the concussions play a part in that.




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