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Before jumping into today’s game, the Denver Pioners had an exhibition game (won it 9-1) with newly drafted Carter Mazur scoring a goal and an assist. Shai Buium also figured in with a point in the contest. Not a ton of detail or a box score because it’s preseason, but you can read about the contest here:
Denver defeats Linde wood 9-1
Wings vs Jackets post game celebrated Detroit’s 3rd straight victory and the beginning of a 3 in 3 set. Today’s match, the second for the road squad, would see Detroit face a more NHL caliber team in a tough Pittsburgh Penguins lineup. And, early on, the results weren’t pleasant.
Detroit’s lineup was devoid of Raymond, but Fabbri and Suter were able to connect again (with the help of Oesterle) on the power play. Ryan was back in action, and Berggren is seeing his first play of the preseason. Even Rasmussen was absent from the lineup. Apart from Suter and Fabbri, the forwards were all bottom 6 (plus a tryout in Ryan) or Grand Rapids bound. The defense was also missing 4 of the projected top 6 (Stecher and Staal were the lone NHL pairing). Nedjelkovic had his hands full with the lineup in front of him.
Ned wasn’t able to switch at the halfway mark as there was about 6 minutes of extended play with no whistles. It ended with Pittsburgh scoring their 4th of the game. Brattstrom came out in relief (in every sense of the word). I don’t think most nights will be this rough for the netminders, but it is a good reminder that Ned won’t have the same defensive coverage as he had in Carolina. Detroit getting badly outshot 27-18 at the end of 2. Again, only 2 of the projected top 6 forwards are out there, and possibly the 3rd pairing on defense. Everyone’s hopes and feelings should still be largely intact on this one.
Pius Suter 5 on 3 goal:
Brattstrom was able to stop 8 of 9 but the Penguins (minus Crosby and Malkin) gave the Griff-Wings a 5-1 drubbing that will certainly make for a quiet ride back to Detroit. The squad did score on the (2 man) advantage, so there’s a plus. If anything, I hope this is a reminder that the Metropolitan is an even tougher division than the Atlantic. I think the Metro could grab both wildcard spots with New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia all boasting some improved lineups. Washington, Carolina and Pittsburgh all boast scoring talent still. CBJ could finish deep in the basement of that stacked division.
Tomorrow night will see an upgraded roster as Chicago visits LCA. As cuts continue, the teams will more closely resemble NHL caliber talent. Once the puck drops in the regular season, Detroit starts out facing Tampa Bay. There could be a humbling start to the season if the squad isn’t ready to roll.
Check out my previous blogs:
Wings vs Jackets post game
Wings and Blue Jacktes pregame
Wings beat Buffalo 6-2
Vrana to miss most of the season.
Wings vs Chicago pregame
”Twas the night before Red Wings
Red and White game
Training Camp Day 3
Interviews from Seider, Nedeljkovic and Erne
Training Camp day 2
Edvinsson gets assist in Frolunda loss
Day 1 of training camp
Vrana should switch to Discover
Yzerman did a pre camp presser
Training Camp Preview
Bobby Ryan has signed a PTO Bobby Ryan has signed a PTO
My final thoughts on the Prospects Tournament
Another injury riddle tournament
St Louis had their way with Detroit
Pregame Detroit vs St Louis
Soderblom and Edvinsson combine for GWG
Detroit is looking for a 2nd straight win,
Detroit won its first game of the prospects tournament
Frolunda won 2-0
Detroit is streaming the prospects tournament 
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