The Red Wings are the walking wounded. Going into the trade deadline needing defensive help Nicklas Lidstrom to come out of retirement, Kenny Holland instead found himself needing to buy a bandaid.
Detroit native David Legwand is that temporary relief. The finger in the dike.
Holland traded Patrick Eaves, prospy Calle Jarnkrok, and a 3rd round draft pick for the 33-year-old Legwand.
Great move by Ken Holland. In a year that's seen half the Wings injure their groins, he acquires a guy whose name sounds like a magical leg.
— The Triple Deke (@TheTripleDeke) March 5, 2014
Legwand is in the final year of his contract, so he's a rental, but he has 15 years of experience and will center the first line while Pavel Datsyuk is out for 3-4 weeks with a knee injury. Legwand's 40 points this season already puts him No. 2 on the Wings.
The Red Wings have not missed the playoffs in 22 seasons, but find themselves a foot out the door as of today (they trail Columbus by a point). Remember when bratty Red Wings fans complained about the late West Coast playoff games and rejoiced over the move to the Eastern Conference? Wahhhhh. How about no playoff games? The Legwand trade seems to be Holland's desperate, last ditched effort at keeping the streak alive. One might say, the streak is on its last … [sunglasses] … leg.
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