The Red Wings enjoyed large success in the 90's and 00's due to their elite centers. Yzerman and Fedorov were the best players on those teams and they won 3 cups and were a powerhouse. Then comes Datsyuk and Zetterberg, they grabbed the torch and continued to be a powerhouse. The Wings utilized elite centers and put good but not great wingers around them. Despite the way Wings fans feel about Fedorov, he was probably the best forward on the team while he was here. Click the jump and see how the next Red Wings team will differ from the this one.
We are quickly nearing the end of the 2nd generation of the post Dead Wings Era. The first generation started with the Yzerman and Fedorov, and ended in 2004 with the lockout. The 2nd generation started when Dastyuk and Zetterberg became the leaders and best players on the team. With all the injuries this year we are getting to see the third generation play in expanded roles. Nyquist, Tatar, Jurco, and Sheahan, are all player's that should look to take hold of this team in the coming years and take the torch from Dats and Z. These guys are nearing the end of their productive years, mostly because of an inability to stay on the ice. However there doesn't appear to world class centers coming through the Wings system. Jarnkrok should be a good player, but he isn't going to be Zetterberg. He will most likely fall somewhere between Zetterberg and Filppula. They also have Riley Sheahan, and while he has impressed us quite a bit in his recent call-up he also will not be a world class center. The Red Wings teams for the last 20 years have depended upon these types of world class centers to carry the team into the playoffs and keep them atop the league, will they be able to stay competitive while they change the makeup of their team.
The third generation of Wings will look much different than the first two. These guys are going to center around elite wingers instead of centers. Mantha, Nyquist, Jurco, Tatar, and even Athanasiou are high ceiling players who can take this team to wherever they want to go.
What changes the third generation from the first two however will be the way that they are going to play the game. Centers touch the puck more than other players because they are vital to the transitional game. The Wings may have to alter their system to accommodate the change in personnel. They will look to retain possession and set up more in the offensive zone and run plays through their big shooters more.
Will the Wings still be a Stanley Cup contender though? The answer lies with Mike Babcock. If he can adapt to the changes and be graced with a few leaders then he should be able to keep this team afloat until the 3rd generation reaches their prime in 5 years or so.
The third generation of Wings will look much different than the first two. These guys are going to center around elite wingers instead of centers. Mantha, Nyquist, Jurco, Tatar, and even Athanasiou are high ceiling players who can take this team to wherever they want to go.
What changes the third generation from the first two however will be the way that they are going to play the game. Centers touch the puck more than other players because they are vital to the transitional game. The Wings may have to alter their system to accommodate the change in personnel. They will look to retain possession and set up more in the offensive zone and run plays through their big shooters more.
Will the Wings still be a Stanley Cup contender though? The answer lies with Mike Babcock. If he can adapt to the changes and be graced with a few leaders then he should be able to keep this team afloat until the 3rd generation reaches their prime in 5 years or so.