NHL Power Rankings: Lightning strikes, Flames burn out

23. Detroit Red Wings (+1)

The Detroit Red Wings are in the middle of a transition period. They are no longer a dominant force and a guarantee for the playoffs every season. As they continue to rebuild their roster and trim expensive salaries they will rely more on their prospect pool to be successful in the future. Young pieces have already joined the lineup and made great impressions. Part of the next wave of players that will be joining the Red Wings is 2017 first-round pick Michael Rasmussen. Rasmussen is a center on the Tri-City Americans of the WHL. He was able to pick up 59 points in 47 games. If Rasmussen can join the Red Wings and help them get younger and better at the center position, they can make a jump up the standings.

The Detroit Red Wings find themselves in the middle of a rough stretch of games. They were able to win two games out of their last six. Those two wins came against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, surrounded by losses to the Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. The Red Wings will close out their season against the Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders. The Red Wings are trying to rebuild on the fly, so it will be a busy offseason as they look to acquire top young talent to surround their veterans as they try to push for the playoffs once again.