Crossing The Atlantic: Maple Leafs Rivals Week In Review

Dec 7, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Detroit Red Wings forward

(21) is congratulated by teammates after his 2nd period goal against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Red Wings – 2nd Atlantic

The Red Wings went 3-1 during the past week to climb into a tie with the Lightning for first place in the Atlantic and, for me, are one of the more surprising teams in the league this year.

Any Mike Babcock team is going to have a chance to win but the Wings are two points out of the President’s Trophy lead so far this season. That’s a pretty big statement for a team that was supposed to be removed from that conversation a few years ago.

Detroit is getting quality play from young guys like Tomas Tatar, Riley Sheahan and Gustav Nyquist as well as enjoying the return of Stephen Weiss to the lineup. The Wings are joining the Lightning in separation from the rest of the division right now and are three points up on the Montreal Canadiens for the second spot.

Next: Montreal Canadiens