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Red Hot Wings – December 7, 2001 – Vol. 55, No. 14 – Mike Brophy
The Calgary Flames emerged as the standout team in the first quarter of the season, mainly due to Jarome Iginla’s impressive scoring and Roman Turek’s reliable goaltending, positioning the Flames as strong contenders for the Western Conference lead.
The Chicago Blackhawks made notable moves, signing Igor Korolev, coach Brian Sutter, veteran winger Steve Thomas, and defenseman John Crem. Their efforts paid off with an undefeated streak in their first 11 home games, making them a hot topic early on.
The New York Islanders, under GM Mike Millberry, revitalized their team by adding veterans Alexei Yashin, Michael Peca, Chris Osgood, and Adrian Aucoin, helping the franchise return to playoff contention after a long drought.
Yet, the true story of the first quarter was the Detroit Red Wings. Over the last 12 years, they have dominated with eight division titles and multiple Stanley Cup wins. Despite a disappointing 2000-01 season, Detroit doubled down on experienced players, bringing veteran goalie Dominik Hasek and scoring legends Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille back to the roster.
Strategically, the Red Wings tightened their defense and limited their wingers to defensive roles in their own zone, boosting their scoring output. They averaged 3.52 goals per game in the first quarter and posted a record-setting 19-3-0-1 start, putting them on pace to challenge NHL records for wins and points.
Detroit’s defense was solid, with a top-10 goals-against average, supported by Hasek’s exceptional goaltending and a disciplined defensive strategy. Left-winger Brendan Shanahan highlighted a more aggressive approach in the offensive zone, focusing on attack rather than retreat.
The team boasted elite players like captain Steve Yzerman, two-time Norris Trophy candidate Nicklas Lidstrom, offensive powerhouse Sergei Fedorov, and Shanahan himself leading the league in goals. Injuries avoided by Chris Chelios and contributions from 12 different players scoring game-winning goals demonstrated their depth.
Kirk Maltby of the Wings noted the high expectations within the team and among fans, emphasizing confidence in management and internal standards. Meanwhile, coach Scotty Bowman aimed for a ninth Stanley Cup but remained cautious about the challenging road ahead and the need for defensive reinforcements.
Despite doubts about aging players, a pro scout praised Detroit’s chemistry and work ethic, acknowledging their continual improvement and posing the question of who could realistically challenge them.
“No one is talking about the Red Wings… this is where history is made,” Shanahan concluded, highlighting the team’s mix of skill, discipline, and determination as a recipe for success.
Fan Take: This update on the Red Wings captures a pivotal moment for hockey fans, showcasing a dominant team blending veteran experience with strategic play to set new records. Their success story inspires excitement about the future of hockey and the enduring power of well-built, cohesive teams.
