It\u2019s not one thing that has changed the Detroit Red Wings\u2019 fortunes in December. It\u2019s everything. That probably gives coach Todd McLellan hope that it is sustainable.<\/p>\n
The 9-2-1 record in December is not about one player rising up and carrying the team, although captain Dylan Larkin did that Tuesday. It\u2019s been about everyone during their job, starting with John Gibson winning eight games in a row. Since Dec. 2, he is 8-0 with a 2.12 goals-against average and .927 save percentage. He\u2019s the first Detroit goalie to go on an 8-0 run since Chris Osgood did it in 2007.<\/p>\n
But Gibson is just one of the contributors. Emmitt Finnie continues to prove his value. Lucas Raymond picked up his second three-assist game in eight days. James van Riemsdyk scored another important goal from his fourth line role.<\/p>\n
The Red Wings\u2019 new identity seems include the idea that different players must step up on different nights. That\u2019s important because Detroit leads the Eastern Conference with 47 points, but 42 points doesn\u2019t even guarantee you a playoff spot.<\/p>\n
Given the tightness of the race, the Red Wings will need to continue this all the way to April to break their long playoff drought.<\/p>\n
Red Wings in Case You Missed It<\/p>\n
This has been a bad week for a few former members of the Detroit organization. That includes Jakub Vrana.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n GM Steve Yzerman<\/a> has a vested interest in three of the top teams in the WJC. Max Plante is with USA, Carter Bear is on Canada and Eddie Genborg is playing for Sweden.<\/p>\n Paywall story: Key players such as Andrew Copp<\/a>, James van Riemsdyk and others, are embracing new roles. the Red Wings are benefitting. To subscribe to DHN+ stories, click here<\/a>:<\/p>\n Red Wings Extra<\/p>\n Minnesota-Duluth center Max Plante (47th, 2024) scored a goal in USA\u2019s 3-1 win against Finland in warm-up exhibition game before the start of the World Junior Championships in Minnesota. The two-time defending champion Americans open the tournament Friday at 5 p.m. against Germany. Plante was USA\u2019s No. 2 center in Tuesday\u2019s game.<\/p>\n Hockey Now Network<\/p>\n Florida: Coach Paul Maurice tore into his Panthers on the bench, and they came back to win. Coincidence? We think not. Florida Panthers.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Philadelphia: Denver Barkey and Travis Sanheim injured during the Flyers\u2019 win against the Blackhawks. Philadelphia Flyers.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n