Another Wingding?

Sporting News, The, March 1, 1999 by Mike Keenan

Week 3 of our look at top teams puts the spotlight on two terrific but different teams--the Red Wings and Senators.

In Detroit, you have a veteran team, hardened in the playoffs. In Ottawa, you have a young, developing team that got its first taste of playoff success last season. Both figure to make significant runs in the postseason.

No team has been as successful in recent seasons as the Red Wings--two Stanley Cups, a trip to the finals in a third season and a conference finals in a fourth. The Red Wings know when they need to step up their game. We've seen that in recent weeks, as players such as Sergei Fedorov and Brendan Shanahan have showed more spark. When the season is over, the Wings will be poised for a third Stanley Cup.

Scotty Bowman remains a top strategist, and he knows how to push players to peak at the right time. And Detroit benefits from tremendous veteran leadership. Steve Yzerman is one of the league's best captains, and he has support from veteran teammates who are well-respected.

The Senators? Coach Jacques Martin has shown patience with talented young players. Alexei Yashin is the most recognizable player, but the team has built depth through wise drafting and good trades.

The Senators also have gotten excellent work from their goaltenders. Ron Tugnutt and Damian Rhodes are journeymen, but they have exceeded expectations. Tugnutt has the NHL's best goals-against average at 1.5 7, a credit to his strong play and the outstanding work in front of him.

Both teams have a nice mix of European skill and North American grit-an important balance. The Senators also have speed to burn; skill plus speed is a tremendous combination. One looks at the Red Wings and sees a fleet of power forwards, big guys who can get it deep and crush defensemen. Detroit's defense is solid and cool under pressure, especially with Nicklas Lidstrom and Larry Murphy.

Former NHL coach Mike Keenan is in his second season as an exclusive NHL analyst for THE SPORTING NEWS. E-mail him at keenan@sportingnews.com and look for his weekly e-mail bag at sportingnews.com.