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Damien Brunner (24) leads the Detroit Red Wings with three goals and his four points are tied for fifth after six games this season.

(Photo by The Associated Press)

GAME INFORMATION

• Who:

(3-2-1) vs. St. Louis Blues (5-1)

• Faceoff: 7:30 p.m. at Joe Louis Arena

• Live coverage: Join the MLive conversation at 6:30 p.m. ET and follow Ansar Khan (

) and Brendan Savage (

) on Twitter.

• TV: Fox Sports Detroit, NHL Network

• Radio: WXYT-AM (1270) and the

• Latest spread: Red Wings -1.5

THE ISSUE

The Red Wings had high hopes for forward Damien Brunner when they signed him last summer after he led the Swiss A League in scoring last season with 24 goals and 60 points in 45 games.

One concern, however, was how quickly Brunner could adjust to the NHL's more physical style of play. After signing him to a one-year, two-way contract, the Red Wings planned on Brunner playing in Grand Rapids during the lockout to help him get accustomed to the smaller ice surface in North America.

But Brunner opted to stay in the Swiss league and ended up playing on a line with Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg. Things went so well – Brunner was leading the Swiss league in scoring with 57 points in 33 games – that he opened the season in Detroit on a line with Zetterberg.

Now, after six games, Brunner leads the Red Wings with three goals and his four points are tied for the fifth-most on the team. Has he lived up to expectations or exceeded them in making his transition to the NHL?

ANSAR KHAN

He has exceeded expectations so far, making a quick and smooth transition to the NHL. It helps that he's 26.

He hasn't been rattled or deterred by physical play and he's always looking a shoot, which is exactly what this team needs. The chemistry he had with Zetterberg in Switzerland has carried over to the NHL. Brunner could end up being a key player in the Red Wings' efforts to extend their 21-season playoff streak.

BRENDAN SAVAGE

So far, I'd have to say Brunner has exceeded expectations. He hasn't looked out of place at all and doesn't play like this is his first season in the NHL. He looks like a seasoned veteran.

Now, that might have something to do with the talented forwards who surround him and things could certainly change after a month or so.

But so far, it's looking like the Red Wings might have found themselves a real keeper in the undrafted Brunner.

READER REACTION

Has Brunner lived up to expectations or exceeded them in making the transition to the NHL?