Red Wings on pace to shatter impressive record

One of the biggest needs for the Detroit Red Wings in recent years was depositing more pucks behind opposition goaltenders. General manager Steve Yzerman addressed that need during the offseason, acquiring former Chicago Blackhawks forward Alex DeBrincat in a trade with the Ottawa Senators, and he's enjoyed a strong start to his Red Wings career and is on pace to reach 38 goals scored. 

But something else that is also taking place is that Detroit's offensive attack has stepped up as a whole, and the team is on pace to enjoy their best offensive output since their record-breaking season of 1995-96 in which they won 62 regular season games and averaged 3.96 goals per game. 

As of right now, Detroit's average of 3.79 goals per game is good for second overall in the National Hockey League, and it's a testament to their depth that they now enjoy on the roster that wasn't present in recent years. 

“It’s been something we’ve been missing here, the depth, the number of guys that can step in at any moment,” said forward Robby Fabbri, who has nine goals and six assists in just 16 games played. 

“I think a big part of our success to date has been our depth,” said coach Derek Lalonde said last week. “Depth scoring. Most of our forwards on a given night are under 20 minutes. I think it helps the rhythm of our group. We’re getting that balanced scoring throughout our lineup. Of all the positives we’ve had so far, why we’re having the success we’ve had so far, I think the No. 1 is the depth.”

Detroit has gotten tremendous value out of the offseason acquisitions of J.T. Compher, Shayne Gostisbehere and Daniel Sprong. Meanwhile, 3rd year forward Lucas Raymond is on pace to eclipse the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career.

The Red Wings hit the ice tomorrow at Little Caesars Arena against the visiting Carolina Hurricanes.

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