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Not only am I blessed to be writing again, I get to work with another passionate blogger who looks at different angles of the game in a way that I admire and appreciate.
Ed Yager’s writing will be part of the Red Wings experience on Hockeybuzz as a complement to my own input.
Game Summary:
Bertuzzi, Rasmussen and Edvinsson all stood out at different points as Bert collected a goal and an assist. Rasmussen (also with a goal and assist) managed to make his presence known as d Soderblom certainly showed that his footwork can belie his huge 6’8” frame.
Husso is looking like a really good pickup. Honestly, I wouldn’t have taken number 35. Just not a ton of positivity around that number in net for me personally. Just preference and I’m sure it will feel much different soon enough.
Honestly, Edvinsson and Soderblom could both start in GR and I’d be fine with that. Injuries are going to hit and someone has to be ready to go. There is going to be more competition for spots and that is a good thing. You want young guys pushing veterans and Yzerman isn’t afraid to waive someone if they’re not doing the job.
Veleno is strong and needs to grab his place. Zadina (1 assist tonight) just seems to lose confidence and it throws him off. We clearly didn’t see the top or final roster tonight. That being said Detroit showed some strong play from guys who want to take someone’s spot. Good to see.
Let me know who you want to see crack the lineup and who needs to hit the ‘96 express and season up just a little. Berggren is, in my mind, a better centerman than Veleno, but not near as strong. The two may pair up in the bottom 6 at some point. Just my opinion
Some period highlights
First Period: Wings get 5 on 3 chance at 7:44. Bert knocks one in after some nice passing and a shot from Rasmussen. With 8:03 left the Caps will get their first crack at the man advantage. Caps tie it up with 26 seconds left on a delayed penalty.
Second Period:
Wings get a pp chance just 32 secs in. Unsuccessful but Rasmussen scores later on after a nice give and go with Bertuzzi. The big man is finding his way after a 15 goal season. Good net front presence and works hard. Lots there to like. Some mention of Edvinsson starting with the big club. That would be 3 for 3 of Yzerman’s first 3 drafts starting before they can legally toast their own success. Impressive.
Jensen tied it up with 6:15 left. I feel just a little old having been at the training camp in Traverse City when he was run into the boards by Tyler Bertuzzi and shelved for a little bit. Both were rookies. Beautiful shot, full marks as his skating and focus was absolutely beautiful. Well done.
Without about 4 mins left Edvinsson made a poor decision on a pass that turned into an opportunity for the Caps. All part of learning in the Bigs. His skating has really impressed me at times tonight. Both he and Soderblom earned a plane ticket with their play in the SHL last year. Edvinsson was named “top prospect”, the same as Seider had been. Yes, the award is sponsored by Elite Prospects but some good names have been its recipient.
Third Period:
Soderblom has had a few solid looks but none better than about 12 minutes into the third. A good sign for a tall player is when they skate in such a way that you forget about how tall they are. On skates you’re talking about being near 7 ft and he can really move.
With 2:45 left the Caps gain the man advantage as Rasmussen ends up in the box for interference. The caps take just 18 seconds to make good on that one as Connor Brown gets one through Husso who has been very solid for Detroit. Shots at 33 apiece so some solid tending on both sides.
Wings pull the goalie with about 1:25 left and Ovi scores in the empty net at 19:07. Detroit was never able to establish control in their own zone with that pull. The final icing on the cake came with 25 seconds left as Hathaway and Smith do the scrap and twirl.
Shootout practice:
Kuznetsov - comes in slow and gets Husso to bite. Scores
Zadina - tried to come in with a little more speed and lost the puck
Ovi - head fake and tried to go cross crease on his forehand but was stopped
Bertuzzi - tried to stop at the post and was stopped easily
Strome - crossed over and neatly picked the top corner on his forehand.
First Period Red Wings Goals:
Bertuzzi (1)with a nice high shot after Rasmussen was foiled. Still, the big man is doing well in front of the net. Apples for Ras (3) and Zadina (3)
Second Period Red Wings Goals:
Rasmussen picked the far corner on the rush after a nice pass from Bertuzzi. The big man continues to impress and for him to be the last man standing of he, Svech and Mantha is a bit of a surprise. He worked hard for everything and has found a place.
Third Period Red Wings Goals:
No Wings goals in the third
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