Detroit — It's never easy to come to a new hockey team, but it's even more difficult when the goals and assists don't happen right away.
Vladislav Namestnikov was a forward the Red Wings felt could help in a variety of ways when they signed him as a free agent last summer, one of which was strengthen the offensive attack.
But Namestnikov didn't earn a point through his first six games, and only had one goal through 11 games.
It was around that time that coach Jeff Blashill began using Namestnikov at center, though, rather than the wing.