Fri Sep 20 11:32:00 UTC 2024: ## Red Wings Aim for Playoffs After Near Miss, But Patience Remains Key
**TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. –** The Detroit Red Wings are hungry for a playoff berth after narrowly missing out last season. Despite a roster shakeup, the team is focused on building a foundation for postseason success, emphasizing hard work and strong leadership.
“It stung for a little bit, to be honest,” admitted Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, reflecting on the agonizingly close playoff miss. “But we learned what we had in the room with our guys.”
The team recognizes that last season’s near-miss has raised expectations, and they’re pushing for a stronger start this time around. Forward Patrick Kane, who re-signed with the Red Wings despite having other options, emphasized the importance of a strong start to overcome the tough schedule.
While the team is aiming high, General Manager Steve Yzerman remains cautious, focusing on overall progress rather than solely on playoff aspirations. “I want to see progress in our team as a whole, progress in all the areas we’ve always talked about, and progress individually from our younger players,” he stated.
The Red Wings have made significant moves to bolster their roster, adding veteran talent like Vladimir Tarasenko and Cam Talbot, as well as relying on young players like Simon Edvinsson to step into bigger roles. However, Yzerman is not rushing into a “win-now” mentality.
Head Coach Derek Lalonde sees strong leadership from veterans like Larkin, Kane, and Moritz Seider as crucial to setting the right tone. “It’s their first opportunity for action and it was a good step for day one, but it’s just day one,” he said. “We’d like to keep pushing this, going forward.”
The Red Wings are determined to translate their desire for playoff success into consistent performance. With a combination of veteran experience, new additions, and young talent, they believe they have the ingredients for a successful season.
First Piper 