The Yzerplan is finally coming to fruition in Detroit

We’re starting to see some success for the Detroit Red Wings and their “Yzerplan,” led by GM Steve Yzerman. The team is 25-15-4 with 54 points, second in the Atlantic Division and third in the Eastern Conference. Having not made the playoffs since 2015-16, the Red Wings now find themselves on a path to playing hockey past mid-April, led by head coach Todd McLellan and a motivated young corps.

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton to discuss Detroit’s early success and what they need to do in the second half of the season.

Tyler Yaremchuk: I don’t think anyone could have predicted that at the halfway point of the season, the Atlantic Division would come in this order from one-through-eight.

Let’s start with Detroit, who we agreed are the best story in this division so far. Lots of Red Wings fans, and even fans outside of Detroit, we’re starting to raise an eyebrow a bit at Steve Yzerman and his Yzerplan a little bit, and I think it’s fair to say that they’ve got things on track here.

Carter Hutton: They do, and they need to. We talk about GMs being on the hot seat, and I think Yzerman has gotten a pass due to his success in Tampa, along with him being the most legendary Red Wing we can think of. Now this team needs to make the playoffs, and they’re on the path towards that.

I love their goalie duo and how it’s worked out with John Gibson and Cam Talbot, two veteran guys who can feed off one each other. I think that’s a good platoon. Detroit has a lot of good talent, and for me, they’re getting an “A.” But we’re going to judge this team more on their second half and where they’re at, and what Stevie Y is willing to do to be in that Atlantic Division playoff hunt.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…