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Analysis

NHL Power Rankings: Eastern Conference Taking Control

By Colin Likas
Nov 21, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The New York Rangers celebrate an empty net goal by center Derek Stepan (middle) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the PPG Paints Arena. The Rangers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The New York Rangers celebrate an empty net goal by center Derek Stepan (middle) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the PPG Paints Arena. The Rangers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) makes a save against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Joe Louis Arena. Flames won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) makes a save against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Joe Louis Arena. Flames won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 27: Detroit Red Wings

Previous: 14th

Season record: 8-10-1 (17 points)

Something has gone horribly wrong in the Motor City. You could look to goaltender Petr Mrazek, who was supposed to run the show but has instead posted a .901/3.16 slashline.

However, Jimmy Howard is showing a stellar .940/1.85 slashline and has just about the same exact record in net as Mrazek: 4-5-0 versus 4-5-1. What’s going on here?

We have to look, again, at youngsters underperforming. Detroit has a reliable veteran in Henrik Zetterberg, who is leading the team with 12 points. But the Wings were going to need much more production from their youth to succeed.

To that end, Gustav Nyquist also has 12 points. And then … Tomas Tatar carries seven points. Dylan Larkin and Luke Glendening have six apiece. Andreas Athanasiou has five. Not helping is the lack of health from guys like Thomas Vanek and Niklas Kronwall. Is the playoff streak nearing its conclusion?

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