The Detroit Red Wings' hot start and the energy it has created in "Hockeytown" was among the many topics discussed on this week's episode of the "NHL @TheRink" podcast.
Co-hosts Dan Rosen and Shawn P. Roarke were joined by Detroit-based NHL.com columnist Nicholas J. Cotsonika to talk all things Red Wings, how they have gotten off to a 5-1-1 start with Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin leading the way.
DeBrincat leads the NHL with nine goals and Larkin is tied with New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes for the League-lead with 14 points.
Cotsonika said the energy in Little Caesars' Arena is unlike it has ever been since the Red Wings' state-of-the-art home opened six years ago. He talked about the fans getting excited about the Red Wings for the first time in a long time. But he also warned that it's early, that what the Red Wings have done so far is not sustainable, and that expectations should be kept in check.
There's plenty more about the Red Wings in the interview with Cotsonika, who also touched on the struggles of the Seattle Kraken and previewed the 2023 Tim Hortons Heritage Classic, which features the struggling Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames in a Battle of Alberta matchup outdoors at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Sunday (7 p.m. ET; TBS, SN, TVAS, MAX).
Rosen and Roarke also talked about the 16-game Tuesday night that was called "Frozen Frenzy." Rosen gave some insight as to what it was like for him covering that night from ESPN's headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, in the control room and the studio.
They ranked the three remaining unbeaten teams, the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins. Rosen and Roarke also touched on the Philadelphia Flyers, and why the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins are among their early-season disappointments.
The "NHL @TheRink" podcast is free and listeners can subscribe on all podcast platforms. It is also available on NHL.com/multimedia/podcasts and the NHL app.
