Give me something to believe in
I think I'm in a toxic relationship with the Detroit Red Wings
Dear Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings,
Hi. It’s me again. I fear the worst has happened. Yes, I’m afraid I’m getting my hopes up again. Since the Trade Deadline, you’ve managed an inconsistent 5-7-1 record and all but destroyed your playoff hopes. Yet, despite your best efforts, you’re only four points away from a playoff spot. What gives?
You’re playing the toughest schedule of any team in the NHL. Even with the Habs pushing for a playoff spot and the Ottawa Senators head and shoulders above you in the standings, you’re still fighting.
And - above all else - why do I still think you can actually pull this off?
Am I unrealistic? Probably. Delusional? More than likely. I’ve been writing about the Red Wings since 2018, and this is far and beyond the most inconsistent team I’ve ever watched. They’ll look like they can take on anyone one game, then collapse against a rebuilding team the next. I just can’t get a read on them. I don’t know how many Sad Larkin Post Game Interviews I’ve got left in me.
But if you’re going to push for the playoffs, I only ask that you give me something to believe in.
You can do this (I think)
A lot of things need to happen for the team to make the playoffs. First, they need to win more games than they lose. This requires the team to score more goals than their opponents. While this may seem like a no-brainer, the -24 goal differential suggests otherwise. To make matters worse, the team only scored 37 goals in the month of March. During that timeframe, the Habs scored 44 goals and the Senators scored 50.
There’s just one problem: their next five opponents.
The Florida Panthers, the top team in the Atlantic
The Montreal Canadiens, their Wild Card competition
The Panthers again
The Tampa Bay Lightning, a team that just clinched the playoffs
…and the Dallas Stars, the second-best team in the Western Conference.
No pressure, right? Well…
Let’s be honest with each other
Let me ask you something: do you really think you’re ready for the playoffs? Ben Chiarot is on your top pairing. You have three goalies with a sub .800 save percentage and just one a hair above .900. Yes, Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin are playing out of their minds. Yes, Marco Kasper has taken a huge step in 2025. There’s a lot to be happy about with the future.
But the future isn’t now.
Where it stands right now, the team is on the outside looking in and there’s no real sign of the competition letting up. Sure, teams like the Florida Panthers might rest some of their starters. But if they know they’re going up against playoff teams, they’ll want their players battle-tested before the start of the postseason. What better way to build up confidence than putting up a few goals against a bubble team?
Then again…
An optimist’s opportunity
If you’re serious about making the playofs, these coming weeks are the perfect test of your readiness. Think about it: the next five opponents are all playoff contenders. Teams like the Lightning and Panthers and Stars have boatloads of playoff experience and talent across the board. This is what the Red Wings will be expected to go up against come playoff season. Many of these teams will be in the picture for years to come.
In fact, should the team make the playoffs this season, their opponent will be the Washington Capitals, the team that knocked them out of contention last season. You couldn’t ask for a better test of talent than one of the best teams in the league.
You want to prove you’re ready for the playoffs? Prove it. But listen to me very clearly when I say this:
You’re out of excuses after this year
This section is for you, Steve Yzerman.
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve said “rebuilds take time” over the last few years, I think I could fund a Justin Holl buyout myself. Do you know how many “so much for the Yzerplan” tweets I’ve had to see? Do you know what it was like to hang my head in shame after the Jake Walman trade(s)? Steve, you have a bigger vision, I get it, but the fans are getting antsy.
Yes, I know: the drafting’s been great. Moritz Seider won a Calder! Lucas Raymond is scoring above a point-per-game! Simon Edvinsson looks amazing! Heck, even Axel Sandin-Pellikka is coming to America! I realize that the best way to build a team is through the draft, but shouldn’t we start bringing in some help for the kids?
Please please please don’t sign another Justin Holl I’m begging you.
Time to prove it!
You’ve been…about 50/50 on trades. The Mantha one was great. The Walman one, and the subsequent trade the San Jose Sharks did during the deadline? Not so much. I know you can’t fleece everyone every time, but if you want this tema to take the next step, you need to show them you believe in them.
And it’s not just the team you have to worry about: the fans are getting impatient.
This is your sixth year building up this team. There’s no sign of a consistent identity to be found on this roster. Truth be told, I’m a little worried. Not about this team: no, I’m worried about the fans. They’re playoff hungry. If you don’t make the playoffs next year, 97.1 will lead an insurrection through LCA that’ll make the Malice at the Palace look like a picnic. You’ve gotta throw them a bone. If you don’t believe in the team, let us know that it isn’t there yet. If you do believe them, it’s time to prove it! Make a big move.
In fact, I’ve got just the one in mind:
Make a splash in free agency? Please?
You love defensemen who used to play for the Florida Panthers. What if I told you there is one that’s poised to be a free agent? What if I told you he’s got plenty of playoff experience and plays the brand of hockey you love? That’s right, I’m talking about Nate Schmidt. In all seriousness, though, I think you should look at Aaron Ekblad. With 64 playoff games, a Stanley Cup, and a Calder, Ekblad comes with experience quarterbacking the power play and making the lives of his teammates much easier.
Put him on the other side of Simon Edvinsson and you’ve got yourself a nasty one-two punch.
Or just do nothing. Who even cares anymore?
We need the 313 podcast back for the playoffs.