Alex DeBrincat’s scoring ability is already paying dividends for the Detroit Red Wings this season with five goals in four games. The new addition to the Red Wings top line is the current co-leader in the NHL scoring race with his five goals and three assists. His eight points is currently tied with Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks. Also, the Red Wings have three wins in their four games with a much improved on-ice product.
The current NHL league leader in points: Alex DeBrincat.
Second in goals, too. What a homecoming for The Cat. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/7wGl4rFuV1
— Winged Wheel Podcast (@WingedWheelPod) October 19, 2023
DeBrincat scored twice in the Wings most recent game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Next up, his old team, the Ottawa Senators, a team tied with the Wings in the standings and looking for more wins. More Alex DeBrincat goals are just what Detroit needs to continue this hot start.
DeBrincat’s Goals Just What the Red Wings Need
The Detroit Red Wings have not had a pure goal scorer of DeBrincat’s calibre in a long time. He’s the first Red Wing in years where every shot has a chance at going in. It’s only four games in, but the Red Wings have 19 goals, which is exactly tied for second in goals per game with Ottawa and the Los Angeles Kings. Currently, the Hurricanes are leading in goals per game, with 24 through five contests. Back to the Wings, this current goal per game pace proves how vital DeBrincat’s scoring already is to the team’s success. His confidence is infectious, especially among the younger players on the Red Wings.
Importance of When DeBrincat Scores
DeBrincat’s goals have also come at the right times. Case in point, in the season opener, he tied the game against the Devils in the third period. In addition, his first goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning tied the game at two, and his second was the game-winning goal. DeBrincat’s goal against the Penguins started a run of four unanswered goals for the Wings, and he finished it off with an empty netter.
That’s 4 for The Cat. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/HKSK7kcMm5
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 19, 2023
Even his assist to Dylan Larkin against the Columbus Blue Jackets is what really put that game out of reach.
Morale Boost from DeBrincat
It’s already clear how important DeBrincat’s scoring is to a team that has struggled to score goals in past years. The goals breathe life into the team, which is easy to see among his linemates. DeBrincat and Larkin already show chemistry, and Lucas Raymond looks more confident even if the points aren’t up there with the others. Furthermore, DeBrincat has scored on the power play and at 5v5, and he’s not logging major minutes yet. Goalies always have to know where DeBrincat is on the ice, which only leads to good things for his teammates.
Can DeBrincat Keep Scoring?
DeBrincat most likely won’t end up scoring over a goal per game or shooting over 38%. However, the Red Wings don’t need him to. If DeBrincat keeps opening up opportunities for others and burying the ones he gets, the Red Wings will be a dangerous team. He’s scored above a 40-goal pace for three seasons in his career, and adding a fourth this year doesn’t seem that crazy at the moment.
What’s Next for DeBrincat and the Red Wings?
Detroit already looks better even with some tough teams to start the season. The next test is the Ottawa Senators. A team that dominated the Red Wings in a back-to-back late last season to crush Detroit’s playoff hopes. Moreover, DeBrincat didn’t leave Ottawa on the best of terms, so both sides are sure to be ready to go. If the Red Wings win, they take points from a key Atlantic division opponent, which is exactly what they brought DeBrincat in to do.
Main photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
