Are the Red Wings the Real Deal? Early NHL Playoff Benchmarks - Nov. 2nd, 2025

WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS:  https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp Are the Detroit Red Wings actually "NHL divisonal playoff seed" good, or is this just an early season mirage? Tune in as we start by discussing the wild shootout win for the Red Wings over Todd McLellan and Cam Talbot's former team, the Los Angeles Kings: Marco Kasper's 2 goals (including an almost high-stick off of Sandin-Pellikka's shot), Alex DeBrincat scoring again, the late collapse and called off overtime winner due to Fiala's interference, Cam Talbot's massive stops, and Lucas Raymond's shootout winner (4:15). Also, Patrick Kane's injury, Austin Watson being called up over Nate Danielson, what this means for the Grand Rapids Griffins, and when Steve Yzerman and Todd McLellan may choose to bring Danielson into the fold (19:40). Next, Detroit's loss to McTavish and the Anaheim Ducks as John Gibson revisits his former team: more DeBrincat goal-scoring, Raymond, DeBrincat, and Dylan Larkin syncing up, Moritz Seider's phantom "kicking motion", controversial reviews, & more (23:55). After that, we discuss whether the Detroit Red Wings are truly a good team worthy of an NHL playoff seed, what's different this year as Emmitt Finnie and Patrick Kane continue to solve big problems in their top 6, how they might continue through tougher months, and how insanely close the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference are (36:10). Finally, NHL news & notes (including the Necas contract & Makar's next deal) (51:15) before we take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (59:15) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad This episode is brought to you by Hims. Visit hims.com/wingedwheel for your personalized hair loss treatment options. #ad Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb

WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS:  https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp We're joined on this remote episode of the Winged Wheel Podcast by none other than Max Bultman of The Athletic Detroit & WWP Contributor! Tune in as we open by discussing the Detroit Red Wings assigning Michael Brandsegg-Nygard to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, how his season has compared to the likes of Emmitt Finnie and Axel Sandin-Pellikka, what this means for Nate Danielson and Carter Mazur, MBN's path back to Hockeytown, and more (3:30). Next, we recap Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and the Detroit Red Wings beating Kyrou and the St. Louis Blues for the second consecutive game, including big plays from Soderblom and Rasmussen, Hamonic fighting Schenn, Gibson netting another win, Raymond and DeBrincat on the scoresheet, & more as McLellan's squad improves to 7-3-0 (11:15). After that, Max Bultman covers notable stories in Detroit, including Dylan Larkin & Emmitt Finnie combining for one of the best starts in the NHL, Alex DeBrincat playing better than the goals show, Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson playing together again, Marco Kasper's slow start, & more (29:50). Also, Carter Mazur's injury and what that could mean for his future (53:45), before we jump into some NHL notes (including Cooley and Harley contracts) (56:35) & take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (1:01:50) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad This episode is brought to you by Hims. Visit hims.com/wingedwheel for your personalized hair loss treatment options. #ad Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb

WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS:  https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp WHAT A COMEBACK IN HOCKEYTOWN! The Detroit Red Wings have been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Tune in as we start by analyzing the terrible 7-2 loss by the Red Wings on Long Island to Matthew Schaefer and the Islanders, including tough games from Rasmussen, Edvinsson, Johansson, and plenty more from Todd McLellan's squad, the Cizikas cross-check, Larkin & Finnie continuing to mesh, Berggren & Compher doing what they could, & more as Detroit struggles without Patrick Kane & with Lucas Raymond still hurt (4:50). Next, the chaotic comeback win over Binnington and the St. Louis Blues in Hockeytown, including Berggren & Compher providing the pulse, McLellan's pivotal timeout, Finnie's continued surge and Larkin's stolen assist, Alex DeBrincat breaking his goal drought, Simon Edvinsson redeeming himself, Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson playing together as Sandin-Pellikka is moved around, Brandsegg-Nygard not playing much, a long road trip ahead, & more (17:15).  We're then joined by Prashanth Iyer, host of Expected by Whom & resident analytics expert to talk Detroit Red Wings by the numbers, what the special teams say about Yzerman's team's future, how Emmitt Finnie & Co. have changed the game, playoff hopes, Larkin's surge, & more (33:00). After that, Red Wings prospect notes including Nate Danielson returning to the ice for the Grand Rapids Griffins, Sebastian Cossa's shutout win, Mazur's points racking up, Brent Solomon tearing up the USHL, Buchelnikov in Russia, & more (59:20), before we jump into some NHL notes & take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (1:08:25) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb

WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS:  https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp All good things come to an end, as the Detroit Red Wings cut their win streak at 5 after losing to the Buffalo Sabres. Tune in as we open by discussing the loss in which J.T. Compher & Emmitt Finnie (from Dylan Larkin) scored while the rest of the Detroit Red Wings didn't do much else, as the absence of Patrick Kane and Lucas Raymond being injured disrupted the forward group, John Gibson didn't stand out, the penalties and errors from the best players in Edvinsson and Seider down to the bottom of the lineup in Rasmussen and Berggren all led to a loss to Colten Ellis, a rookie goalie making his NHL debut (4:15). We then discuss Todd McLellan's difficult spot with the forwards, as two key injuries means a lack of solid lines to utilize, how the depth players aren't seizing their opportunities, DeBrincat and Brandsegg-Nygard aren't offering scoring firepower, and what Steve Yzerman can do to help fix the issue (14:25). After that, Dylan Larkin's impressive start to the season (alongside Emmitt Finnie) & if it's a sign of new heights (30:15), Carter Mazur's hot start and Nate Danielson's path back (33:30), more on the Gustafsson, Holl, Hamonic trade rumors and what Steve Yzerman may do there (36:10), Max Plante's dominance in the NCAA (37:55), whether Michael Brandsegg-Nygard could benefit from joining Carter Mazur, Amadeus Lombardi, and soon Nate Danielson with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL, or if he's better to stick it out in Hockeytown (39:35), and what to make of Alex DeBrincat's goalless streak to start the season (44:30). Finally, a quick look around the NHL (47:45) before we take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (52:25) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb

WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS:  https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp MAKE IT FIVE STRAIGHT IN HOCKEYTOWN! Tune in as we open by discussing the Detroit Red Wings and their now 5 game win streak, starting with their win over Vasilevskiy and the Tampa Bay Lightning: Axel Sandin-Pellikka's 1st goal, John Gibson's redemption in net, Todd McLellan coaching the Red Wings to a dominant playstyle, and Dylan Larkin's heroic overtime winner in Hockeytown (4:00). Next, their win over Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the Edmonton Oilers, Emmitt Finnie's 1st career goal (& 2nd!), Dylan Larkin's 2 goals & 4 point night, another John Gibson win, Lucas Raymond returning to the lineup as Patrick Kane was out with injury (Brandsegg-Nygard in his spot), & more (18:00). Also, a discussion on how solid the Detroit Red Wings defense currently looks under Trent Yawney (Moritz Seider and Ben Chiarot, Simon Edvinsson and Axel Sandin-Pellikka, and Albert Johansson and Jacob Bernard-Docker), the Red Wings leading the Atlantic Division, Larkin & Finnie among NHL leaders, & more (27:10). After that, trade rumors in Detroit as Steve Yzerman may be looking to shed some roster jams via Erik Gustafsson, Justin Holl, or others (Berggren? Another depth forward?), as well as updates on Nate Danielson's potential return as the team has him, Mazur, & so many others waiting in Grand Rapids (36:00). Finally, NHL news & ridiculous stories (45:35) before we take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (58:10) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb

WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS:  https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp The Detroit Red Wings are streaking early - in a good way, this time! Tune in as we open be recounting our stories of bringing friend of the show Steve Dangle of SDPN to the Red Wings vs. Leafs game in Toronto and recording a live LFR as the Wings brought a fresh dose of disappointment to the crowd (00:00). We then start with a recap of the win in Toronto, including Cam Talbot standing on his head, Mason Appleton's heroic goal, Lucas Raymond going out injured, Dylan Larkin opening scoring, Axel Sandin Pellikka's up and down play, and more (6:00). Next, the win in Hockeytown as Todd McLellan's squad beat Brad Marchand and the Florida Panthers: more Mason "Lucas Raymond" Appleton heroics, Patrick Kane and Dylan Larkin continuing their hot starts, Alex DeBrincat only putting up assists, another Cam Talbot victory, & plenty more (23:55). After that, we dive more into how Steve Yzerman's team's hot start in the Atlantic Division can serve their future postseason hopes, Cam Talbot vs. John Gibson's starts to the season, the Detroit Red Wings special teams' solid starts, Alex DeBrincat's goal drought while playing with Kasper and Kane, Brandsegg-Nygard & Finnie's performances, impact of Lucas Raymond's injury & more (36:40). Finally, NHL news including Lane Hutson's new contract & how it compares to Moritz Seider's and potentially Simon Edvinsson's future deal, Brady Tkachuk being out, & lots more (49:25) before we take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (1:02:05) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb

WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS:  https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp The Detroit Red Wings season is underway and it has already been a bit of a rollercoaster... Tune in as we open by discussing Todd McLellan's squad's 5-1 loss to Lane Hutson and the Montreal Canadiens in their home opener, including Dylan Larkin opening scoring from Patrick Kane and Moritz Seider, Johansson and Hamonic's awful game, John Gibson getting pulled, how Sandin-Pellikka, Brandsegg-Nygard, and Finnie fared, Todd McLellan's message to Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, Michael Rasmussen, and the rest of the Detroit Red Wings to wake them up, and more as the Centennial jersey debut finished in Hockeytown boos (4:10). After that, the Detroit Red Wings' huge turnaround against Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs: Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat lighting it up, Lucas Raymond scoring goal #100, Emmitt Finnie's 1st NHL point, Simon Edvinsson mixing it up, & lots more (18:45). Next, we assess how the kids are doing and whether ASP, MBN, and Finnie will hold onto their spots, and how Nate Danielson, Carter Mazur, Amadeus Lombardi, and other young guns may factor in pushing players like Berggren, Soderblom, Rasmussen, & others (33:30).  Also, Jacob Bernard-Docker's play next to Albert Johansson, Detroit's big players playing small, & NHL news with Tyler Myers sticking Connor McDavid & more NHL scheduling woes (39:50), & lots more before we take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (52:20) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! This episode is brought to you by Hims. Visit hims.com/wingedwheel for your personalized hair loss treatment options. #ad Go to KoffeeKult.com and use code WWP for 15% off your order! #ad This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb

WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS:  https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp IT'S HERE: the official Winged Wheel Podcast Detroit Red Wings Season Preview episode - strap in. We start with the news that Steve Yzerman & Todd McLellan have selected all 3 Red Wings rookies to make the opening night Hockeytown roster in Emmitt Finnie, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka (4:30), before starting our analysis, predictions, & outlook with the forwards: Dylan Larkin (6:45), Lucas Raymond (12:05), Emmitt Finnie (19:10), Marco Kasper (27:20), Alex DeBrincat (31:00), Patrick Kane (36:15), Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (43:20), and the rest of Detroit's forward group (including Andrew Copp, J.T. Compher, Mason Appleton, Elmer Soderblom, Michael Rasmussen, Jonatan Berggren, & James van Riemsdyk) (50:20). After that, the defense: Moritz Seider (57:40), Simon Edvinsson (1:02:10), Axel Sandin-Pellikka (1:05:40), Albert Johansson (1:11:50), & the rest of Todd McLellan & Trent Yawney's blue line in Ben Chiarot, Travis Hamonic, Jacob Bernard-Docker, & Erik Gustafsson (1:16:25). Next, the goalies in John Gibson & Cam Talbot (with a potential appearance from Sebastian Cossa) (1:18:05) before jumping into the "Todd McLellan Effect", power play & penalty kill, & more from Steve Yzerman's personnel (1:23:20). Finally, our predictions on team MVP, points leaders, most improved players, Detroit Red Wings point totals, and whether or not they'll make the Stanley Cup Playoffs (1:29:05). We also cover the crazy contract news that has rolled through the NHL, including Connor McDavid, Mattias Ekholm, Jake Walman, Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel, & more (1:45:35) before we take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (1:51:30) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! This episode is brought to you by Hims. Visit hims.com/wingedwheel for your personalized hair loss treatment options. #ad Go to KoffeeKult.com and use code WWP for 15% off your order! #ad This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb

WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS:  https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp The Detroit Red Wings preseason is over, and the kids are still here - is this the most optimistic preseason outlook in Winged Wheel Podcast history? (00:00) Tune in as we start by discussing Michael Brandsegg-Nygard's Detroit Red Wings & NHL-leading performance, how his game compares to Marco Kasper's, whether he could be a long-term solution for Todd McLellan next to Dylan Larkin & Lucas Raymond, & his chances of making the team (6:55). Next, what Justin Holl & Erik Gustafsson being waived mean for Axel Sandin Pellikka's roster chances, how his path compares to Moritz Seider & Simon Edvinsson's, if he's destined to be paired with Albert Johansson, & how the Grand Rapids Griffins AHL path could benefit him like it did Nate Danielson & other prospects (14:30). Finally, Emmitt Finnie's standout preseason & how he took the step past guys like Carter Mazur, Amadeus Lombardi, & Carter Bear, & what his roster chances are in McLellan and Steve Yzerman's eyes (28:20) before we give our full Detroit Red Wings Opening Night roster projections (40:10). After that, our Atlantic Division Preview, including Pastrnak's Boston Bruins, Dahlin's Buffalo Sabres, Raymond's Detroit Red Wings, Hutson's Montreal Canadiens, Tkachuk's Ottawa Senators, Kucherov's Tampa Bay Lightning, Barkov's Florida Panthers, and Matthews' Toronto Maple Leafs (52:30). We wrap up with a look at Jackson LaCombe & Luke Hughes' $9 million AAV contracts and what that means for Steve Yzerman as he looks to extend Simon Edvinsson (1:25:00). All of that & lots more before we take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (1:30:00) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb

WWP NIGHT w/ the DETROIT RED WINGS (Nov. 15th vs. BUF) TICKETS:  https://www.gofevo.com/event/WingedWheelPodcast11-15 WWP NIGHT w/ the GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS TICKETS ON SALE NOW: https://griffinshockey.com/wwp The Detroit Red Wings are getting closer to puck drop on the regular season, and their rookies are still making noise... Tune in as we open by discussing Nate Danielson's injuries, Todd McLellan's comments on his chances, & how this affects his NHL vs. AHL trajectory (4:10). Next, a look at Axel Sandin Pellikka's development over the course of the preseason and when he might join Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, and Albert Johansson on the blue line. Also, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard's impressive shot & NHL-style game, & whether we may see him with the Detroit Red Wings, joining Marco Kasper, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, & Lucas Raymond in the top 6 (10:25). After that, a look at Kirill Kaprizov's new contract with the Minnesota Wild, how this shakes up the league's benchmarks, why Steve Yzerman should be happy about the deal, & what's next for players like Connor McDavid and Cale Makar (23:30). Next up, our Metropolitan Division preview, including predictions and analysis on Aho's Carolina Hurricanes, Hughes' New Jersey Devils, Shesterkin's New York Rangers, Ovechkin's Washington Capitals, Barzal's New York Islanders, Michkov's Philadelphia Flyers, Fantilli's Columbus Blue Jackets, & Crosby's Pittsburgh Penguins (38:30). All of that & lots more before we take your questions and comments in our Overtime segment (1:10:45) - enjoy! Head over to wingedwheelpodcast.com to find all the ways to listen, how to support the show, and so much more! This episode is brought to you by Green Light Lending: gogreenlightlending.com #ad This episode is brought to you by Hims. Visit hims.com/wingedwheel for your personalized hair loss treatment options. #ad Support the Jamie Daniels Foundation through Wings Money on the Board: https://www.wingedwheelpodcast.com/wingsmotb