The Red Wings sit 7-3-0 and in second place of the Atlantic Division. Through one-eighth of the regular season, the Yzer-plan is working. If you had asked most Red Wings fans prior to the season where they would be in the standings, few would have said second.

What this means is: are the Red Wings real or a mirage? The addition of John Gibson was to give the team a #1 goalie. But plans don't always work out, as he was hammered his first start, then ceded playing time to Cam Talbot, who has been great. Gibson has righted the ship, winning four of his last five outings.

Dylan Larkin is playing like a superstar, aided by Alex DeBrincat. Emmitt Finnie has come out of central casting to also support the offense with Lucas Raymond. Beyond those four, it's somewhat thin, though Patrick Kane produces when healthy. Moritz Seider leads the defense, supported by Simon Edvinsson, while Axel Sandin-Pelikka is an impressive rookie. Beyond those three, it's meh.

Detroit has enough stay in contention. But unless they add up front or on the blueline, their playoff hopes are likely more fiction than fact.