Last year during the NHL Finals I had a bit of a debate with Mickey Redmond about Marian Hossa. I thought he was soft, a bit of a floater, a guy who put up good numbers on mediocre teams in the past. 

Mickey said, "He's one of the top 5 players in the league, hands down. And he's about as good with the puck as Datsyuk." Mickey raved about his hands, his skill and his ability to make a team better.

I was surprised by Mickey's analysis and watched Hossa through a different set of eyes for the rest of the series.

I didn't think he was THIS good and I was wrong - way wrong. Mickey Redmond was right - way right!

Hossa didn't collect a point in the Red Wings shutout victory over the Edmonton Oilers Monday night at the Joe. For the first time in 5 games the opposition had managed to keep the hottest of the hot wings off the score sheet. However that didn't stop him from being the most dominant player on the ice.

Hossa has to be accounted for by opposing defenses every time he puts a blades on the ice because he's a threat to score from anywhere in the offensive zone and as his 13 assists prove, he can find the open man with the best of 'em.

His defensive game is stellar, he's strong as a bull on his skates and his size and skill set are enviable. He truly makes everyone around him better. But the thing Wings fans need to appreciate most about him as this season rolls on is the heart and desire this guy has as well. He's on fire to win his first Stanley Cup and that along with his immeasurable talent will help lift Detroit when they need it most down the line.

Holy Hossa! This guy is good, really, really good. I'm happy to say, I'm pleasantly surprised at just how good.

Stay tuned to Red Wings Weekly all season long. You just might see Hossa in an upcoming episode of "Trev Takes On." Yeah, I'll get my butt kicked, but it's always worth a good laugh.