Repeat???

The Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings will start their training camp in 3 weeks. While the team has stayed mainly intact. I thought the time was right to go over 5 pressing questions going into the upcoming year.

Question 1 - How does Marion Hossa fit in?

With Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Tomas Holmstrom keeping their line and chemistry intact, I would think that Hossa joins Valterri Filpulla, and Johan Franzen on the 2nd line. Hossa will play the right wing. If Franzen can build on to what was a fantastic playoff run, this line could actually be as deadly as the Datsyuk group.

Question 2 - Who will be the backup goaltender?

Chris Osgood is once again the talk of the town. He has cemented himself as the number one goalie on the Wings. However the number two job is up for grabs. For years now the Wings have been grooming Jimmy Howard to take over in net. He will finally get a serious shot at making the team. Ty Conklin will be standing in his way though. Conklin comes over from the Penguins with an opportunity to back up Osgood. My guess is that Howard wins the job, and gets in 15 to 20 games this year.

Question 3 - Who emerges from the 4th line competition?

Can a team have 5 lines? If they did the Red Wings would show their depth. There are a lot of guys trying to crack that starting lineup. Veterans like Kirk Maltby, Darren McCarty, Aaron Downey, and even Jiri Hudler will try to hold off the youngsters, such as, Tomas Kopecky, Darren Helm, Ville Leino, and Justin Abdelkader. Downey and Abdelkader are likely destined for Grand Rapids. I see McCarty and Kopecky as extra forwards wearing suits most nights. Hudler deserves to be on the line, but a trade could be in his future. Leino is the wild card. He comes from Finland with a ton of talent, but will have to adjust to the game in North America. I think the 4th line will consist of Hulder, Helm, and Maltby. Leino while talented, should start in Grand Rapids. After one month if they can't fit him in Detroit, he will probably go back to Finland.

Question 4 - How easy does new assistant coach Brad McCrimmon fit in?

McCrimmon has played here before so he knows the culture of the Wings. Being a player and a coach in this league will help his transition on this team. Losing Todd McLellan hurts because he was a very good coach, who Babcock relied on, however Babcock still is the man in charge and there shouldn't be any bumps in the road.

Question 5 - Is there any let down from winning the Cup?

No. Not with veterans like Nicklas Lidstrom, Kris Draper, Chris Chelios, and others who know what its like to win and also how hard it is to get back. They will be mentally strong this year, and another run at the Cup is very likely.