Faulk Sees Both Promise and Problems With Red Wings

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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As the fellow who’s spent the shortest time in a Detroit Red Wings uniform since joining the team at the March 6 NHL trade deadline, there’s plenty about the team that gives Justin Faulk hope that a bright future is ahead for the franchise.

At the same time, even in his short time wearing the Winged Wheel, Faulk can assemble a laundry list of items that concern him about the team.

“I have a ton of excitement for this group,” Faulk said. “There’s some really good hockey players here. I think there’s a lot of talent here.

Faulk also appreciates the fact that some of the brightest stars in Detroit have yet to reach their primes as NHL players. That includes talent like winger Lucas Raymond and defensemen Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka.

“There’s some really, really good hockey players in that group,” Faulk said. “And young too, which is even more exciting because then there’s room to grow and there’s potential for more.

“And that excites me and gives me a belief that this group is really close to getting over that hump [and into the playoffs].”

Faulk Says Red Wings Need To Push Each Other

As much as he admires the potential for this group, the veteran defenseman also recognizes that this team still has much to prove and to learn about what it takes to be a winning hockey club.

“I mean, when you’re in this situation, you can sit back and look at any area and probably find something if you want, right?” Faulk said. “A lot of times these situations leave room for reflection, and sometimes you’re right on those, and sometimes you’re not.

“But ultimately, I think we can just push each other day to day in practice and in games and whatnot. We need to push each other, hold each other accountable, and demand a lot more from each other.

“I think a lot of top teams do it, and not saying it’s not happening here, but there’s always room for more of that, wanting more and wanting to be a better player as an individual.”

He includes himself in that latter group.

“I ultimately didn’t do enough to help this team get over the hump,” Faulk said. “And I’m going to start there and make sure I’m sharp and on my game for training camp.”

It’s About Learning What It Takes To Win

Having been with teams that have gone on long playoff runs, Faulk succinctly understands what it’s going to take for the Red Wings to reach that destination.

“When you get close, you have to just keep getting more, asking more from each other, and demanding more to push yourself over that hump,” Faulk said. “And then things can start to snowball.

“It’s the hardest sometimes, whatever that hump is. Not even just hockey. There’s always that period where you feel like it’s the hardest, and then once you get there, it starts to go. But that’s when you have to push each other the most.

“Things can be uncomfortable at times, and ultimately, when you’re playing the long game, there’s rewards at the end. You have to trust in that and believe in that and know that the process is usually worth it in the long run.”

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