Can the Red Wings’ Maintain this Pace? Tyler Bertuzzi Aims For Return

The Detroit Red Wings (7-3-2) currently sit in 2nd place in the Atlantic with 16 points, off to their best start in years. But can they maintain this pace?

In contrast to the injury riddle lineups we’ve seen, the Red Wings have proved this team will compete every given night.  As the lineup pieces itself back together in coming weeks. Pressure should be lifted off the top six for production.

Detroit’s top six has accounted for 24 out of 37 goals through 12 games. Captain Dylan Larkin and Dominik Kubalik have been stellar, filling the voids for any missing production from the injuries. Both skaters are tied with 15 points on the year. With multiple players returning soon, the depth factor coming back into to play for the Red Wings. If they continue with this energy and consistency, there’s no reason that this team can’t be in contention for a playoff spot come April.  But ultimately, the health of this team will determine the lengths at which they will go. The Red Wings’ have shown they can be competing with the best when fully healthy.

The Red Wings play host to the Montreal Canadiens tonight, as they look to extend their win streak to four. Detroit has struggled after days off, notably going 0-2-1, giving up 5+ goals a game. Ville Husso will try to change that as he returns in net tonight. The Red Wings shutout Montreal 3-0, in their home opener to start the year.

Tyler Bertuzzi Aiming Return for Red Wings’

Tyler Bertuzzi, who has missed the last ten games for Detroit, plans to return next week. Bertuzzi took a puck to the upper body in the 2nd game of the year and has been out since. Replacing a 30 goal scorer like Bertuzzi hasn’t been easy, but multiple Red Wings’ have stepped up in his absence. I’m sure no one is more anxious for Tyler’s return than Lucas Raymond and Larkin, as they look to build on their chemistry from last season.

Detroit heads on a west coast trip this weekend starting in Los Angeles, Bertuzzi should return by the second game of the road trip against the Anaheim Ducks.

Follow Detroit Red Wings Beat Reporter Michael Gentry (@16Gentry) on Twitter for more content & updates!

Photo Credit: © Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY SportsR