The Detroit Red Wings just wrapped up a grueling road trip, and while the final game left a bitter taste, there's a definite sense that something's shifting within the team. As defenseman Moritz Seider put it, the 'hardness between the ears is coming.' What does that even mean? It suggests a newfound mental toughness, a resilience that's starting to define this Red Wings squad.
Let's break down this five-game road swing. The Red Wings are heading home with a winning record, which is undeniably positive. They’ll have a chance to regroup before facing off against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, November 7th. But here's where it gets controversial... is a winning road trip enough? Or should we expect more from a team with playoff aspirations? The trip culminated in a tough 1-0 loss against the Vegas Golden Knights, a team many are already pegging as a Stanley Cup contender. That stings, no doubt.
However, before that Vegas defeat, the Red Wings notched three wins in their first four games. And this is the part most people miss... it wasn't just that they won, but how they won. They showcased a genuine ability to bounce back from adversity, to dig deep when the pressure was on. Think about it: in past seasons, a late-game deficit might have spelled certain doom. But this year, there's a different vibe, a refusal to quit. That mental fortitude, that 'hardness between the ears' Seider mentioned, seems to be taking root. Maybe it's a change in coaching, maybe it's the influx of new talent, or maybe it's just a team finally finding its identity. Whatever the reason, it's a welcome sign for Red Wings fans who've endured some lean years.
So, the question is: Can this newfound mental toughness translate into consistent success throughout the season? Can they maintain this resilience against other top teams in the league? Or was this road trip just a fleeting glimpse of potential? What do you think? Are you buying into the 'hardness between the ears' mentality, or do you need to see more before you're convinced? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
