Is Detroit’s defense… Improving?

Last night, the Detroit Red Wings earned their first victory of the year beating the Minnesota Wild 5-3.

While they still gave up three goals, is their defense actually getting better? Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News seems to think so although coach Mike Babcock wouldn’t come right out and say as much.

“We could us a few more guys back, and that would help us as well,” said coach Mike Babcock, referring to three defensemen, Jonathan Ericsson, Ian White and Carlo Colaiacovo, still out with injuries.

“As the game went on and we got better and the D got more comfortable, we were able to move the puck better,” Babcock said.

Improving the defense by being better with the puck offensively is nothing new to the Red Wings. Their “puck possession” style of play helps the team play defense by keeping their opponents from controlling play.  With both Niklas Kronwall and rookie Brendan Smith playing solidly in that fashion last night, maybe some Wings fans can come out off the ledge.

Then again, they’ve given up 13 goals in four games so there’s still a little bit more work to do.