OctoPulse podcast: New-look Wings hit the ice, Greg Innis interview

Ted Kulfan says to expect the Red Wings' playoff chase to fall just short this year, and team statistician Greg Innis is the interview guest on the OctoPulse podcast.

Training camp begins today with the annual golf tournament in Traverse City and then the new-look Red Wings hit the ice on Thursday, the annual Red and White game is Sunday and then next Tuesday, the preseason opens against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena.

"I really sense that people are interested in this team," Kulfan said on the podcast. "With all the changes they've made, there's a level of intrigue, maybe not quite full-scale excitement. Steve Yzerman did a lot of work here. They have a better, deeper overall roster, especially after getting Alex DeBrincat, one of the prolific goal-scorers in the league.

"They have a better chance of making the playoffs this year than last season but if you had to pin me down, I think they're going to miss the playoffs by several points. For some reason, I look at this roster and I'm not convinced they're going to be one of the top eight teams in the Eastern Conference. I just can't see it.

"You look at the other division: Carolina, New Jersey and the Rangers. They're far and away the best three teams in that division. You've also got Pittsburgh and the Islanders, who made the playoffs last year and the Penguins added the Norris Trophy-winner (Erik Karlsson). On paper, they're still a little stronger than the Wings.

More:Steve Yzerman optimistic about Red Wings roster, but isn't thinking solely playoffs

"The Wings are going to battle for a wild-card spot, but it's hard to say they're any better than those four heavyweight teams in their division (Toronto, Florida, Tampa Bay, Boston). Maybe Boston takes a big slide, but they still have four or five of the elite players who should be enough to carry them to respectability. Knowing that roster, they're going to fight and battle and win a lot of 1-0 or 2-1 games.

"It's almost like they're going to be battling Buffalo and Ottawa for a wild-card berth. We've been saying it for the last couple of years, but I think Buffalo might be ready to take that next step. Ottawa certainly looks formidable. I just think the Wings' top-end talent is quite there yet. They need another couple of pieces.

"They're getting closer but I'm not sure fans want to hear that. If they miss the playoffs this year, there will be a level of expectation this summer and the following season. Natives are going to be a bit restless at that point."

Here are other highlights from episode 93 of The Detroit News/Detroit Red Wings podcast:

▶ 1:00: Red Wings begin training camp

▶ 2:10: Steve Yzerman on playoff expectations

▶ 4:20: Atlantic Division heavyweights

▶ 5:40: Greg Innis interview

▶ 20:00: Yzerman on the rebuild timeline

▶ 22:30: Ted's Eastern Conference overview

▶ 24:10: Key training camp questions