Wings Off To A Strong Start

It hasn't been pretty at times, but regardless, the Detroit Red Wings are off to a beautiful start in the early stages of the 2007-08 season.

After losing their opening night contest against the Hurricanes, the Red Wings have rattled off four consecutive victories in which they have held the opposing teams to only four goals total.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere has been strong between the pipes and Detroit's defense has limited scoring chances, thanks in large part to keeping shots at a minimum. So far, the Red Wings have held opponents to an average of 22.6 shots per game. They trail only the Ducks (19.1) and Islanders (22.5) in that category.

"I've been very pleased with our defensive effort," Red Wings head coach Tom Renney said. "A lot of people think most of our defensemen are more offensively-minded, but we've shown that 'D' is a priority for our team."

While the defense has been rock solid, the offense has sputtered in the early stages of the campaign. The Wings have just ten goals through five games and half of that amount came in their last game, a 5-1 win over the Phoenix Coyotes.

"It's still early in the season, we'll get everything together sooner than later," said captain Olli Jokinen. "We have such a talented, deep group of forwards that it's just a matter of time."

The return of young sniper Alexander Semin - who is currently listed as day-to-day with an injury - should certainly help the struggling offense. He is expected to return sometime this week and see first line duty alongside Jokinen and right wing Dainius Zubrus.

But even with the lack of offense, the Wings are accumulating numbers where it matters the most - the points column.

"It's an encouraging start," Renney said. "I like our personnel in the early stages of the season and I love our depth. But, we realize it's still very early in the season and we need to continue to work everyday to keep improving."

Preseason Rankings Released

It's the one list every year that you want to be called last on. No, we're not talking about the Miss America Pageant. We're talking about the annual GMHL Organizational Rankings, a preseason publication ranking each GMHL franchise's expected finish from last to first.

Currently, 20 franchises have been named - for those wondering, the Los Angeles Kings were given the dubious honor of finishing dead last - and the Wings have yet to see their name appear.

"It's good to see," said Red Wings GM Torrey Smith. "I'm glad to know people see the talent we've put together here in Detroit. But like they say, games aren't won on paper."

The preseason rankings have garnered much excitement in years past, and this summer was no different. However, there almost were no rankings to start.

Following Chicago GM Carl Welbourn's resignation, the rankings fell into limbo. Much to appraisal of the league however, Philly GM Cory Lavalette announced his intent to take over the principal duties with the help of Wild GM Adam Bearman. And the transition has been flawless.

"They've done a great job," Smith said. "They added their own wrinkles, but they've worked well and the quality of the product is outstanding."

Where the Red Wings will end up in the Top 10 is anyone's guess at this point, but reaching their potential won't be easy. All five Central Division teams are projected to finish in the Top 10.

"We knew that we play in the toughest division in the GMHL," said Red Wings defenseman Hal Gill. "I wouldn't have guessed that we're all top ten caliber teams, but it's exciting. It just means that our fans will get to see some great hockey."

The Top 10 is expected to be released in a single installment within the next few days.