Via twitter, the Red Wings confirmed that Perlini will not play tonight. It looks like he will be debuting on Friday. However, Joe Hicketts has been called up and will be in the lineup. I like the addition of Hicketts because he brings speed and grit. Against Edmonton, quick transition is essential. As well as the ability to get back down the ice as fast as possible. McDavid is a force majeure and, even with solid coverage, he and Draisaitl can create chances. Detroit needs to look back to last week’s effort and replicate as closely as possible the structure they found.
Without seeing the lineup and knowing the pairings, I will assume that we will see Givanni Smith in action again. His physicality and intense forechecking made a noticeable difference against St. Louis. Larkin, Mantha and Bertuzzi had some good looks as well, and need to be front and center. Athanasiou’s skating seems better in each game, and I thought Hirose was creating some chances as well. The third period effort from Sunday’s matchup needs to become the first period matchup of tonight’s tilt. The Wings need to do their best to get behind Edmonton’s defense. Even then, we will need to play one defenseman high in the zone because Edmonton is always one stretch pass away from embarrassing you.
The keys for tonight’s matchup will sound familiar. Stay out of the box. First period penalties nearly derailed the game for Detroit on Sunday. Understand the on ice personnel. Connor McDavid has a fifth gear where he picks up speed right in front of the net and cuts across. You cannot close the gap on him too early. It results in a goal or a penalty. Watch the changes. Edmonton is another team that smartly gets a forward changed when the opposing team transitions to the forecheck. What you end up with is McDavid, Draisaitl or Neal behind the play. If Detroit plays a 5 man forecheck that leaves 40 feet between the D and a fresh forward off the bench. All Edmonton needs to do is ice the puck at that point and you have a problem. Phil Kessel was a master of this play in Pittsburgh. All a goal scorer needs is a few strides and it’s a 1 on 0 chance.
If Detroit can keep Edmonton in their own zone, the chance for success is there. There is no room for missed assignments. Line changes need to be perfectly executed. There are guys who want to be difference makers who can stay on too long and end up wearing themselves out. That usually leads to trouble.
I would look for an ideal shift as this. Givanni Smith and his line wear out Edmonton’s defense. The cycle and even get some looks. One by one the Larkin line comes on fresh to take advantage of this situation. Smith, Ehn and Delarose are akin to a great demolition crew on a remodel. They can leave you a clean space to work with. It is sometimes thankless work, but hockey is a true team sport. The players know what that effort brings.
I am, again, looking for a solid effort tonight. It may not result in a win. That’s hockey. However, each game played well is building momentum for this group. The rewards will be there, I’m certain.
Thanks to everyone who stops by to read and comment. Keep it coming!
To learn more about me, visit
stutteringguitarist.com 
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»