1. Adapting to a new home
For the first time in 38 years, the Red Wings won't be playing at Joe Louis Arena. Detroit's time in one of the NHL's last true barns closed April 9 with a 4-1 win against the New Jersey Devils, a game interrupted every few minutes by flying octopi. This season, the Red Wings move into Little Caesars Arena. The new building has every comfort Detroit could want -- including a practice rink with 300 seats -- but will it have the same atmosphere and springy end boards?
2. Larkin's comeback
When Dylan Larkin joined his hometown team in 2015, it looked like the Red Wings had found their next top center. At the halfway point of his rookie year, Larkin had 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) in 41 games and was plus-24. At 19, he went to the All-Star Game. The second half of the season wasn't quite as successful, with 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in 39 games and a minus-13 rating, but he still looked like a success story. Last season was a major step backward. He had 32 points (17 goals, 15 assists) and was minus-28. The biggest problems were finding open space -- he attempted 310 shots, 80 fewer than his rookie season -- and making good passes. If he returns to form, it would be a boost to Detroit's offense.