Tag: defense

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Detroit Red Wings: Ken Holland’s demise was a lie

Embed from Getty Images Heading in year two of a rebuild the Detroit Red Wings, needed a solid draft to speed the process up. As the media and fan base had Detroit general manager Ken Holland with one foot out the door. Holland struck back.

Ken Holland, a very proud man. He should be his work as Detroit Red Wings general manager is both legendary and Hall of Fame worthy. Holland, had a few bad years that is no secret. While many thought his best days were behind him the 2018 NHL draft showed everyone Holland is still one of the very best general managers in sports.

Yes the Red Wings, were given two first round draft gifts in the form of Filip Zadina (forward) and Joe Veleno (center.) Then came day two of the draft and Holland reminded Red Wings nation, he’s still got what it takes.

In desperate need of defense starting in round two Holland rolled up his sleeves and went to work. The Red Wings, drafted Jared Mclsaac who at 6′ 1″ is one of the taller Wings defense prospects. Very good skater. Very solid two way player who can quarterback the power play.  Ken Holland stole this pick. Mclsaac was first round talent.

Also in the second round the Red Wings, took another forward Jonatan Berggren from Sweden. He is fast and has a nice shot but will need to add weight before he is Motown bound.

In the third round Ken Holland, and the Red Wings, selected Alec Regula. A player from the Detroit area. At 6′ 4″ he is a towering defenseman. For his size he is mobile and is great passing the puck. He needs to work on not being hesitant with the puck. Grand Rapids bound for sure to sure up his game. The wait will be worth it.

Next defensman Seth Barton, was the Detroit, target in the draft. His game is close to Chicago Blackhawks defender Brent Seabrook’s.  After just turing 18 Barton is headed to college to play and develop his game.

The Detroit Red Wings, thanks in large part to general manager Ken Holland were the big winner at this years draft. Obtaining help for right now and in a few years. The Detroit Red Wings, draft has now  sped up the rebuild Knocking at least two years off the table.

Red Wings, fans should be rejoicing.

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Columbus Blue Jackets: Werenski

Embed from Getty Images The Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, has built the team from the back (goalie and defense) out. The Blueliners for the Blue Jackets, are the driving force of the team. Enter what many say will be the teams next captain Zach Werenski.

Drafted in the first round of the 2015 NHL draft out of the University of Michigan, the smooth skating tough checking Werenski, is already a fan favorite no small feat because of where he played his collage hockey.

He drives the Blue Jackets power play and is very skilled in the offensive end. Of all the Columbus Blue Jackets defensmen he is hands down the best passer on the team.

In only his second NHL season Zach, was named to the all-star team. He has outstanding vision and poise nothing rattles this kid.  Including, breaking his orbital bone in the 2017 NHL playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

His eye swollen and black and blue  Zach Werenski, came back out on the ice face shield and all and played. And just like that a kid from Michigan became an Ohio sports legend. Leaving his head coach John Tortorella, to tell the media “That kid has stones the size of this building.”

Zach, will be captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was capatin of a Michigan hockey team that won a National Championship. He is a born leader. The Columbus Blue Jackets are a better team because of him.

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Matt Patrica: a players coach with and edge

Embed from Getty Images He is not gruff. He is very well spoken. He is highly intelligent, in fact he is literally a rocket scientist. But do not be fooled. Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia also has an edgy side to him.

His former players with the New England Patriots have nothing but high love, respect and genuine admiration for they’re former defensive coordinator.
It is just not the defensive players. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady called Patricia “one of my all time favorite coaches.” That was not just lip service. It is a common theme.
He came to Detroit in a very light hearted press conference. He joked. He smiled. He was articulate. But, as his former players heaped the praise on him they also mentioned in the next breath. Matt Patricia is a very demanding coach.
He gets his point across and it does not matter if a rookie or a ten year veteran. That is a tall tale sign of a good coach. In some aspects it is much like being a father.
Love them. Instruct them. Teach them. Listen to them. Then when they mess up go to them and handle it. Put all the boarders up so there is no grey area.
Matt Patricia, is the right head coach for the Detroit Lions. He is orderly and precise. Something the organization has lacked at times.
It will be interesting to see how he handles the day to day nuances of coaching duties.
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Detroit Red Wings: prospect Dennis Cholowski

Embed from Getty Images The 2016 NHL draft saw the Detroit Red Wings draft defensemen Dennis Cholowski, and Wings fans were upset. But look at him now.

Defense in the NHL is the toughest position to learn in sports. Point blank. In fact it can be downright brutal on prospects. Dennis has risen to transform his game into first line defenseman.
Heading in to the 2017-18 training camp Dennis Cholowski, nearly made the team. He was seen as a second line defenseman when he was drafted. But, he has worked hard, grown 2” (he was 6’ 0” when he was drafted) and put on muscle.
He’s fast. He will more that likely quarterback the Red Wings first line power play. He is my favorite Detroit Red Wings prospect now that fellow defenseman Joe Hicketts is in Motown. Detroit, has the making of good solid young defense headed it’s way.
With his skill set and hard work Cholowski will be a part of the Wings defensive unit for a long time. He is a high end player.
I expect Dennis to arrive in Detroit next season. He is sure to become a fan favorite in a hurry. His hustle and big hitting is sure to go over well with Red Wing faithful.