The Detroit Red Wings have surged to a 5-0-0 record since their season-opening loss, outscoring opponents 19-9 against tough competition. Captain Dylan Larkin leads the NHL with 10 points in 10 games, while rookie Emmitt Finnie shines with a point-per-game pace. However, top prospect Michael Brandsegg-Nygård remains pointless through six games despite solid underlying metrics.
The Detroit Red Wings kicked off the season with a loss to the Montreal Canadiens but have rebounded impressively under head coach Todd McLellan. Since that opener, they've gone 5-0-0, defeating the back-to-back Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers, divisional rivals Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, and earning two wins over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Overall, the Wings have outscored opponents 19-9 in these games.
Dylan Larkin has been the driving force, notching four goals and six assists for 10 points in 10 games—the most in the NHL during that span. The top-six forwards have contributed significantly, with rookie Emmitt Finnie emerging as a standout. In his first five games, Finnie has two goals and three assists, including a two-goal effort against Edmonton, tying him with Minnesota's Zeev Buium for the league lead in rookie scoring.
The second line of Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, and Marco Kasper has been dominant, combining for two goals and eight assists (11 points) at even strength and on the power play. Depth players like Mason Appleton have added three goals and one assist.
Amid the team's success, 20-year-old Norwegian winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygård has struggled offensively. He's pointless in six games, averaging 13:43 of ice time on the third line, and holds a -3 plus-minus rating, tied with Travis Hamonic for the team's worst. Despite a strong preseason (four goals, two assists in seven games), Brandsegg-Nygård has yet to score but leads the team in hits with 21, tied with Finnie.
His advanced stats show promise: a top skating speed of 22.12 mph (77th percentile), shot velocity of 83.02 mph (75th percentile, six mph above NHL average), nine shots (above the 8.6 league average), four mid-range scoring chances, and two high-danger chances. The coaching staff has given him opportunities, including second-unit power-play time.
Detroit faces a favorable schedule ahead: the Buffalo Sabres (who allowed 14 goals in their first four games), New York Islanders (19 goals allowed), and a home-and-home with the St. Louis Blues (18 goals allowed). These matchups could provide Brandsegg-Nygård a chance to break through, though the staff may adjust the lineup if production doesn't improve.