Red Wings leave NHL unbalanced

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Mike Jenkins

Those four players have changed the complexion of the NHL during the rest of the regular season and the upcoming playoffs.

The Detroit Red Wings traded for all four right before the trading deadline, making them the favorite to win Lord Stanley's Cup. They basically improved their team to the point where they are the favorite over teams such as NHL points leader Dallas, revamped Colorado and upstart Phoenix.

Since acquiring these four players, Detroit is undefeated. The Red Wings spanked the Dallas Stars 3-0 Sunday, clearly sending a message to those in the Western Conference and the whole NHL that they are a team to be reckoned with.

But here is where I have my problem. I don't think it's fair for the Red Wings or any team in the rest of the NHL to have a monopoly of players. The Red Wings already possess all of the characteristics that are needed to win the cup: A fast, productive offense, a solid defense, the best power play in the league and an adequate penalty kill. By picking up these players, it gives the Red Wings more than they need, therefore depleting the talent in the rest of the NHL. How are small market teams like the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Vancouver Canucks supposed to compete with this traveling all-star team? They can't! The NHL needs to do something to spread the talent out throughout the league, making it more competitive, giving fans in lower-market cities a chance to have a winning team.

Just look at the players Detroit acquired:

Chelios is a former all-star defenseman and ex-captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit's hated rival. Samuelsson, who played for the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins, is a reckless, gutsy defenseman known for his tenacity. With these additions, Detroit strengthens its defense both offensively and defensively. Chelios is a great two-way player who will help the Red Wings on the power play, as much as he will defensively. Samuelsson is a stay-at-home defenseman who brings the wood when he runs you into the corner.

‡Clark, a winger formerly with Tampa Bay, was the Lightning's leading scorer before he was dealt to Detroit. He is an addition that brings playoff experience as well as a knack for scoring big goals. He is a punishing forward who plants himself in front of the net, looking for deflections, causing problems for the defense and wreaking havoc for a goaltender.

Ranford, a goalie also formerly with Tampa Bay, was not having a great year, but was brought in to be solely a backup for starting goalie Chris Osgood. He is a former Conn Smythe winner and gives Detroit a solid insurance policy, just in case Osgood gets injured.

This doesn't mean that I think the Red Wings can't be beat. Frankly, I hope that they get bounced in the first round against either the Blues or the Ducks. As a Phoenix Coyotes fan though, a second or third round matchup would be perfect. I want to cheer for the team that sends the all-stars packing for the offseason.

Mike Jenkins is a sophomore majoring in journalism. He can be reached at Mike.Jenkins@wildcat.arizona.edu.