The Red Wings reaching the playoffs is unrealistic.
The division and conference are too strong. The Red Wings have too many obvious issues at this stage of general manager Steve Yzerman's rebuild.
They seem vastly improved from last season, but the proof must come the remainder of the season.
After 48 games, the Red Wings have the same number of regulation victories as last season, 21.
They are 21-19-8 compared to 21-21-6. Yeah, just two points, on overtime losses, improved.
Of course, the rest of the '21-22 season was an unmitigated disaster. The Red Wings had widespread breakdowns defensively. The nine-goal debacle vs. the dreadful Coyotes at Little Caesars Arena. The 10-goal disaster against the explosive Maple Leafs, also at home. The 11-goal devastation vs. the enduring Penguins on the road.
It cost coach Jeff Blashill his job. Will it be different under Derek Lalonde? It should be.
Yzerman has significantly augmented the roster. Ville Husso has provided the Red Wings with their best goaltending in years. Andrew Copp is the solid two-way center the Red Wings were lacking. David Perron, Dominik Kubalik, Ben Chiarot and Olli Maatta have performed reasonably well.
Mo Seider and Lucas Raymond are a year older, and have adjusted noticeably after sluggish starts in Lalonde's system.
Dylan Larkin is having another solid season. Michael Rasmussen has developed nicely.
Yzerman has decisions to make at the trade deadline. Obviously, Tyler Bertuzzi, given his contract status and his skill set despite an injury-plagued, disappointing season, could have trade value.
The key, though, for the development of the organization is to at least play at the same pace following the All-Star break as prior to it.
While through 48 games, the Red Wings have only played at a slightly better pace than '21-22, they can still finish strong. If they just keep up the same pace, they will finish 10 points better.
At minimum, the puzzle Yzerman is trying to piece together is starting to take shape.
The building blocks are there for an exceptional defensive corps. Specifically, big defensemen. Seider is a potential Norris Trophy winner. Simon Edvinsson, the '21 first-rounder, has held his own given his youth at Grand Rapids. His upside remains obvious given his size-skill combination. And William Wallinder, taken 32nd overall in Yzerman's first draft, may be the equal of Edvinsson. He has been outstanding for Rogle, the franchise Seider similarly starred for, in the AHL-level Swedish Hockey League.
It should be noted that Seider's fast track is unusual for a defenseman, particularly with above average size. Edvinsson and Wallinder are, however, exceptional skaters.
While the Red Wings have several good forward prospects, including '22 first-rounder Marco Kasper, Wallinder's teammate at Rogle, Raymond is by far the best when it comes to long-term goal scoring potential.
So, still, time is needed.
Yet it's time for tangible improvement to be on display. The Red Wings are capable of it at this point.
It should begin the rest of this season.
