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As the season winds down Detroit Red Wings Larkin and Athanasiou have a shot at 30 goals

Embed from Getty Images It has been one full decade since the Detroit Red Wings have had a 30 goal scorer. In a lost season for the Detroit Red Wings it is about what is next. It shows how close the organization is to returning to competitive hockey again by have two of the teams young stars closing in on 30 goals.

On a chilly day in the Motor City, Andreas Athanasiou scored goals numbers 25 and 26 as the Red Wings beat the New York Islanders 2-1  in a rare win. The two goals moved the young forward/center into second place on the team in goals scored. Dylan Larkin is at this time the team leader with 27.

Andreas Athanasiou, is a pure goal scorer who plays little defense. That was the knock on him his first couple of NHL seasons. This season has seen Andreas’ defense improve. He even checked a player from New York into the boards.

When Athanasiou’s defense is as consistent as his offense he will be a dynamic player. He will also be a force to be reckoned with. Giving the Red Wings the potential to have multiple players capable of 30 goals.

Last season the Detroit Red Wings asked Dylan Larkin to work on his passing and forecheck. He did. It came at the expense of his goal scoring. Larkin had a career low 16 goals in the 2017-18 season. Having worked on his game and clean it up, the Red Wings told Larkin to return to shooting the puck more. He did. To the tune of 27 goals this season.

This is what a rebuild looks like. It is not as easy as drafting players and sticking them out on the ice. It is draft them, see what they bring to the table and working with them. Allowing them space and time to fail and succeed.

Now Detroit has an excellent two way center in Dylan Larkin who can do it all. They have a budding superstar in Andreas Athanasiou who has improved every season he has played in Motown.

Both players are under 24 years old, and both are explosive goal scorers. Both players have gotten better every game they have played for the Winged Wheels.

Both players are above average in the face-off circle as well. Athanasiou who is transitioning to center and done very well with the move has also had to play wing for the Red Wings due to injuries to Anthony Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi earlier in the season.

The Detroit Red Wings are not sure if Andreas Athanasiou will continue to stay at center. The Red Wings are looking at a top three lottery pick in June’s NHL draft and could take a center in the draft. It just depends where they think Anthanasiou can both excel and help the Wings.

The last time Detroit had more than one 30  goal scorer was 2008-09 the year  Detroit won it’s  last Stanley Cup Championship, when Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen and Marian Hossa reached the goal mark.

This is very good news for the rebuilding Red Wings who are just about set for flight again.

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Big Ten basketball tournament championships bring Michigan/ Michigan State round III

Embed from Getty Images Michigan State has the opportunity to continue the season dominance over in state rival Michigan. This time the stakes are much higher. A number one NCAA tournament seeding is on the line. For the Wolverines they hope the third time is the charm.

The Wolverines and Spartans clashed in the Big Ten regular season just last Sunday. With Michigan State taking the second game of the seasons. The Spartans finished 2-0 vs Michigan.

The two Big Ten schools have seen each other plenty of times through the years. Now meeting for the third time in less than a month, They play for bragging rights, potential basketball recruits, Big Ten championship and a top seed and first round bye of the NCAA tournament as well. The stakes for the two schools has never been this high.

Spartans head coach Tom Izzo, is tasked with finding new wrinkles to help the Spartans hit the trifecta against Michigan. While Wolverines head coach John Beilein is going to have to do something he did not do the first two meeting. Make in-game adjustments. Something Izzo is a master of.

Michigan players are saying they have a chance for revenge. Needless to say the coach and fans will take solid play from the Maize and Blue. While Michigan State is going to have to play above their heads. It is extremely difficult to beat a team two times, let alone three.

It is hard not to lean towards Izzo and his gang of Green and White. But Michigan does have a punchers chance. It is going to be another classic game. Fouls and rebounds will be the storyline.

On a cool March, St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, two long time rivals will meet at 3:30 pm. The Big Ten’s elite. Did anyone really think it would end differently?

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The final 12 games are important to the Detroit Red Wings

Embed from Getty Images The bottoming out of the Detroit Red Wings was supposed to happen this season. It did. However, the big steps forward taken by the organizations young players are giving real hope for a 202 playoff push.

12 games left. That is it. Wins and losses never mattered this season. I repeat, wins and losses this season never mattered. This season was all about getting the Detroit Red Wings top prospects to take the next step. All of them have.

Dylan Larkin, has become and elite two-way center he leads the Winged Wheels in goals and points. He is also going to be the next Detroit Red Wings captain.

Andreas Athanasiou, is offensively gifted. Speed, good Lord Athanasiou has speed. He has 22 goals on the season and projects as a 30 goal scorer. Yet, Andreas is not yet in the elite conversation. Athanasiou’s defense needs work. While it has improved until it peeks he is simply a gifted goal scorer.

Anthony Mantha’s game has come a long way. Mantha should hit 30 plus goals soon. a broken hand kept the young forward from hitting 30 this season. Mantha is a defensive forward. Once he hits 30 goals he will be as elite as they come.

Tyler Bertuzzi, Where to start with Bert? He is the backbone of this Red Wings core. Not as good a goal scorer as Larkin, Athanasiou or Mantha, Bertuzzi does not need to be. He gets under the skin of opposing teams and is deadly on the power play. Never shy to hit hard Bert is a Detroit fan favorite in this his first full season in Motown.

Top prized pick Filip Zadina who will play his ninth and final game for the Wings tonight against Tampa Bay, has given very encouraging signs that he will be ready to step into a starting role next season.

On defense both Filip Hroneck and Dennis Cholowski both looked good and looked bad. Both players were sent back to Grand Rapids to work on parts of their games. Cholowski will finish the season with the Griffins to gain playoff experience.

Two more reasons the Detroit Red Wings will push for the playoffs next season. They will have top lottery pick. Perhaps number one overall.

Also, Steve Yzerman who will be done with his Tampa Bay Lightning contract and oh by the way is living in Detroit.

Detroit hockey is about to be scary good once again.

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Daniel Norris is finding consistency and the Detroit Tigers are happy

Embed from Getty Images Oft injured Detroit Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris was always thought of as a pitch who could…if only. Daniel, has always been thought of as a middle of the rotation pitchers. Inconsistency and injuries have kept him from reaching his potential. Until this spring.

Daniel Norris fresh off of three scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox starters, has Daniel Norris and the Detroit Tigers satisfied with how far the pitcher has come.

Norris finally over three injury plagued seasons has made an adjustment to his overall pitching delivery. It has helped the pitchers velocity. A velocity that now sits 90-93 mph according to spring training radar guns.

Heading into spring training Norris was both a question mark and he was uncertain to make the final cut. Thanks in large part to promising young pitchers in the Detroit system. Daniel Norris would have to earn a spot.

Norris’s spring resurgence has put him in the conversation to break camp with the Tigers and not be assigned to Toledo. Once a starting pitcher. Detroit is looking to place the left hander in the bullpen.

In part this would help to keep the pitcher healthy. As he would only pitch a 1-3 innings. This way he can better serve the team.  Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire is going to let the pitching sort itself out.

Starter, relievers, closer. Gardenhire said all decisions will be made in the best interest of the team. Daniel Norris does not care when and where he pitches from. The fact that he has been rapidly improving is positive.

The fact that after a few rough spring outings, Norris is even in the Tigers pitching plans is remarkable. He seems to have a new found confidence with his consistent performances. Daniel Norris has worked hard to get full extension on his delivery.

Being a team player, Daniel said he talked with Gardenhire and Tigers pitching coaching Rick Anderson about his role. “I told them I just want to help the team.”

Finally healthy, finding consistency Daniel Norris is ready to help his team.

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Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Michigan’s John Beilein agree

Embed from Getty Images Not only are Michigan and Michigan State rivals, they are in-state rivals with rabid fan bases. Thanks to the expanded conference slate the two schools meet twice a year because it is a “protected rivalry game.” Now both Tom Izzo and John Beilein want to take it to the max.

“Like football season ends with Michigan and Ohio State, I want to see our season end with Michigan State every year.” Michigan Wolverines head coach John Beilein said. Spartans head coach Tom Izzo  is in full agreement.

Before this seasons bump to 18 games Michigan State and Michigan met just once during the regular season. For a rivalry that is the Big Ten’s version of North Carolina and Duke (who meet every season on the last regular season game) that is where the Spartans and Wolverines should go.

“The atmosphere that surrounds this game is electric,” Izzo said. “This should absolutely be the last game every season,” he continued.

Both Tom Izzo and John Beilein will plead their case to the head of the Big Ten basketball committee. God willing they will agree. The conferences two top basketball programs should be spotlighted.

There should be no issues with making this the season ender every season. Yet, it is difficult to know exactly what the powers that be will agree with, and what they will not agree with. Although this seems logical.

Michigan State and Michigan is golden for t.v. ratings , something that is important to the conferences. It is sure to be taken into consideration as the two coaches go before the committee. Also just how electric the crowds are will be looked at as well.

This should be a slam dunk. Pun intended.

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The imortance of Ish Smith to the Detroit Pistons

Embed from Getty Images Ish Smith missed games due to a groin injury. During that time he was a vocal leader on the Detroit Pistons bench. In fact he would cheer for 19 games due to the injury. Detroit went 5-14 with Smith out of the lineup. The Detroit Pistons are a better team with Ish Smith on the court.

26-14 that equates to a .650 winning percentage. That is the Detroit Pistons record when they have Ish Smith at their disposal. Now healthy, the Pistons are on a 12-4 run with Smith back.

He lacks size and is not a very imposing looking player. At 6 feet and barely 175 lbs, Ish Smith bounced around the league. Playing on 10 different teams in 9 seasons. His last contract was a three year deal with the Detroit Pistons.

It has been a God-send for both player and organization. Ish provides the Pistons with a energy off the bench. When he comes in the Pistons play more up-tempo. The team feeds off of Smith’s play.

Offense, defense, the Pistons can count on Smith for doing both well on game days. Head Pistons coach Dwane Casey said “He both sets the tone and changes the way we play when he’s out there.”

Averaging 8.7 points, 3.5 assists with 35% three point shooting are far from great numbers. Sometimes, as in the case with Ish Smith numbers deceive. You see, the energy and all-out style of play Smith brings that is what his teammates feed off of. That is his value to Detroit Pistons basketball.

The numbers do not lie. Since coming back after a prolonged layoff, Both Luke Kennard and Langston Galloway have suddenly turned red-hot for the Pistons. That is because they come off the bench with Smith.

Blake Griffin offered high praise for a guy with modest numbers “he makes our second unit, it is hard to guard his speed.” So big numbers be damned, Ish Smith has the intangibles the Pistons need. The greatest is just being on the court.

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Detroit Tigers Christian Stewart ready for take off

Embed from Getty Images On a steamy spring training day, Detroit Tigers rookie outfielder Christian Stewart steps up to bat. Atlanta Braves left handed pitcher Sean Newcome on the mound. This encouraged the Detroit Tigers coaches and front office. Stewart a left hander himself was facing a left handed pitcher.

This was a big knock on Stewart coming out of college. He was good against right handed pitchers. In fact Christian was almost deadly against righties. His big struggle was left handed on left handed.

Yet, here he was. Having mastered hitting lefties last season while in Toledo with the Mud Hens.  Newcome fired a 94 mph fastball towards home plate. Smack! Christian Stewart lined it in the gap for a two out, two R.B.I. double.

The great Ted Williams once said “you only get one pitch to hit in an at-bat, don’t take it, don’t miss it, don’t foul it off.” Christian Stewart, has adopted the Hall of Famers philosophy.

The best part of Christian Stewart’s development is that He can bat second in the lineup or fifth. When asked Stewart said he does not care where his name is on the lineup card. That he is going to do his job.

In a 17 game callup last September, Stewart amassed 72 at bats, hitting .267 with 2 home runs. This spring Christian is hitting .320 with 2 home runs.

Stewart looks more relaxed this spring. Detroit is handing the masher the leftfield job. While defense is well below average, hitting is well above average. Stewart projects as a mid 30’s home run hitter. Once Detroit develops their minor league outfielders and the rebuild is over Stewart will most likely be moved to D.H.

Make no mistake Christian Stewart, is part of the Detroit Tigers long range plans. He will be a middle of the order bat. He is a home run and R.B.I. machine.

This will be his first full season in Detroit. Stewart is ready. It is one more step in the rebuild. Detroit Tigers fans should get ready for some moon-shots. While in Toledo, Christian hit a ball out of the park. As in out in the parking lot. This spring he hit the light tower at Joker Merchant Stadium.

Christian Stewart is reason Tigers fans should tune in. The guy is good for something special every game.

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The Detroit Lions make big,bold moves first day of free agency

Embed from Getty Images Bob Quinn put his end of the season stamp on the Detroit Lions 2018 season by saying “I did not put us in a position to win.” While that was true, Quinn also followed it up by saying “We need playmakers on both sides of the ball.” That also was a true statement. Yesterday, the first day of NFL free agency, Quinn put his words into action.

While signing top flight free agents is nice, it by no means guarantees success right off the bat. That needs to be stressed first and foremost.Team chemistry is the key to winning games. Last season the Detroit Lions did not have enough players who bought into head coach Matt Patricia’s system. Those players are now gone.

Detroit has needs all over the place. They address slot receiver early in the morning by grabbing Danny Amendola,  from the Miami Dolphins. It is some what a ho-hum signing because Amendola has never had 1,000 yards receiving. He has not even broken 700 yards. But he will be a safety valve for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Next Detroit went with a bigger signing. Netting Justin Coleman a cornerback with the Seattle Seahawks. One of the top CB on the market. Coleman is not a CB2. The Lions still need to find one. What Justin Coleman is, is a very good nickel-package cover guy. In fact the best nickel corner in the league. He fits Patricia’s defense perfectly.

Then we get to the final two signing. They were HUGE additions for the Detroit Lions. Ezekiel Ansah, Detroit’s top pass rusher was not coming back. Enter Trey Flowers, New England Patriots. This is a monster get for the Lions. Flowers is a very good player. His value is not so much rushing the quarterback. It is his ability to slide into a 3T/0T alinement. Flowers quickness  gives offensive linemen a ton of problems. He is excellent at finding creases on stunts.

Next the Detroit Lions, in desperate need of a tight end, agreed to terms with the best one on the open market. Pittsburgh Steelers Jesse James. At 6′ 7″ James is a huge target. The Lions like him because Jesse James is the best blocking TE in the NFL. Be it on the line of scrimmage or down field.

Of the four players Detroit signed, three are former New England Patriots. Amendola, Coleman, Flowers. They all have connections to Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia. All three players are “by-in” players. Flowers said yesterday he would “run through walls to play for Patricia again.”

It is those players who Detroit has focused on. In one day the Lions got three of the top players at their positions. Flowers, Coleman and James. Playmakers. Just like Bob Quinn said.

 

 

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What to expect from Michigan State’s spring football practice

Embed from Getty Images The Michigan State Spartans football team will reconvene Tuesday to start spring drills. After a season that fell well below expectations in East Lansing, the Spartans have more questions than answers.

First and foremost Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio, must find some offensive production to go along with one of the countries stingiest defenses. The Spartans offense was abysmal for long stretches last season.

Finding offensive linemen who can stay healthy and play with a united consistency will go along way in getting MSU quarterback Brian Lewerke back on track. The quarterback himself suffered an right shoulder injury against Penn State. He played through the pain and it showed.

In a very un- Michigan State season the Spartans finished 114th in rushing in the country. 124.8 yards per game. While the Spartans were hurt when starting running back LJ Scott missed most of the season due to injury. What hurt Michigan State most was lack of quality depth at the tailback position.

One thing for fans and media to monitor is in the Red Box Bowl loss to Oregon, Michigan State went to no-huddle, up-tempo offense. It is unclear if that is the direction Dantonio plans to explore more of.

While defense is not usually an issue, Michigan State does have some depth concern. Gone to graduation are defensive tackle Gerald Owens, safety Matt Morrissey, linbackers Byron Bullough and Grayson Miller along with defensive end Dillon Alexander. That is a lot to have to replace.

It is a real head scratcher that Dantonio did not bring in new coaches. But he simple reshuffled existing coaches already on his staff. There are time new coaches and fresh voices are what is needed. This is the single most fascinating part of the Spartans spring practice.

How will player react to the same coaches in a new role? Sometimes it goes bad. Once in a while it works for a short time.

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Michigan spring football, all eyes will be on Josh Gattis

Embed from Getty Images After yet another disappointing end to the season, change came to Ann Arbor. Jim Harbaugh said he did not think any changes would be made. He then changed his mind and brought in Alabama and former Penn State coordinator Josh Gattis to run his offense.

By now you know the drum Josh Gattis has been beating “speed in space.” Gone is Tim Drevno and Pep Hamilton. Harbaugh purged his offensive staff. He also insists Gattis will have full control of the offense. That allows Harbaugh to manage the game.

The Michigan Wolverines football team is set to open spring practice this coming Sunday. The new offense is the focal point. Part mystery, while also being the single most fascinating group puts the unit under fan and media microscope.

The biggest issue for Michigan the past two years has been offensive consistency. At times the Wolverines looked dynamic at times often in the same game, they fell apart. So new coaches were brought in. In part for a new voice, in part a new direction.

Michigan has the pieces and parts to be a solid offensive driven team. Ed Warinner has brought the Wolverines running game into the modern college football landscape.

Josh Gattis said that it is his job to get players to “be explosive, while working around a well coaches running game.” A breath of fresh air for the Michigan faithful to hear.

For the first time at Michigan under any head coach. The Wolverines will bring and lineup in multiple formations. Keeping defense honest and on their heels.

Josh Gattis has yet to speak at great length to the media. He has appeared on Harbaughs weekly pod-cast. Jim Harbaugh wants his new coordinator completely focused of improving an offense that is sure to improve under the coach that Nick Saban was upset to lose.

With spring football starting in days. All eyes will be on the new offense. While it goes without saying Michigan will not show off all of their new formations, they will give a look into what is to come. Sort of to wet the appetite.