Theoretically, the Red Wings could see growth from players like Filip Zadina, ride the Dylan Larkin-fueled top line, and take advantage of hot goaltending to play better than expected.

There are advantages to being competitive. After all, rebuilding teams eventually need to start winning. Getting blown out all the time can break spirits, and create bad habits.

Nothing earth-shattering here, but not a bad article by national media.

Around the NHL

Willie O'Ree, who made his NHL debut on January 18, 1958, is celebrated on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 63 years later

Glad to see Willie’s story being told each year now.