Ever since the dreaded injury happened, Detroit Red Wings fans and media wondered how the team would do without someone of Vrana’s caliber out from the top line. Would they still be able to compete for a playoff spot? Or would it be another one of those throwaway years for fans to forget?
Well, powered by rookies Lucas Raymond, who filled Vrana’s spot on the first line, Moritz Seider, and trade acquisition Alex Nedeljkovic, the Red Wings have made the season enjoyable. They had the second wild-card spot for a short while, but it was only because the Boston Bruins played far fewer games than they had.