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After a road loss to the Caps, we’ll see what Detroit does tonight against the Leafs. If there are battles for roster spots, those are the players that really need to stand out. In reality, if you’re not subject to waivers that may already be a strike against you. Although, Yzerman has shown a willingness to let a player go through waivers if someone else is playing better. Definitely not the “tie automatically goes to the veteran” that was a part of the former regime.
Game Summary:
I have no trouble being honest. If Detroit started a game that had Austin Matthews in it like that, they would have been down by 3 or 4 instead of just 2.
We got some good looks at Soderblom and Edvinsson and I’d still rather see them get 20+ mins in GR at this point. Bertuzzi continues to be able to score. My big takeaway, Veleno just needs to relax and play. When he overthinks he jams himself up (Zadina too). That shot from the boards goes in and a ton was lifted from Joe’s shoulders. I don’t care if they have to put a bounce house in the room, get the kid loose and let him play. He’s grown up in a lot of ways, just needs to let it go and play.
Edvinsson and Soderblom have a lot of the right tools that just need a little sharpening. With injuries, I have a feeling they’ll get their looks. Vrana makes great foot to stick plays with the puck and skates effortlessly. A full season of him would be more than welcome.
Detroit has to start on time. Too many times they get behind the 8 ball and they aren’t the team that can play 50 of 60. They need to develop and be ready from puck drop. As that happens more and more, this team is going to cause stress for teams who need to climb in the standings. I don’t see them grabbing a top 3 spot, but a bubble spot? That time is coming. I really, really want to see Copp play and see how the fit is.
Just one more tune up and 2 more buses to GR. Lots to watch for. Lower the goal differential, compete and establish a top 6. Seider, for as slim as he looks, is pretty physical. I still like watching his game grow. Hope you enjoyed this. Still empty during the preseason but Toronto fans bring good energy.
First Period:
It took less than 7 minutes for Detroit to be in the hole 2-0. Detroit just looks disjointed and tired. I hope this is more to do with rookies and learning a new system than anything else. Just an awful start. Vrana very clearly a target. I admire Raymond for standing up for his teammate but I don’t think that’s his game.
Bad starts have plagued this team in the past, I’m hoping to see a team much more ready to go as the season progresses. Vrana’s numbers are shocking when he’s healthy. It seems like he and Bertuzzi are alternating at times.
Veleno and Zadina had some nice give and go at around the 15 minute mark. JV just doesn’t look confident on that shift and probably could have taken a quick shot, at least looking for a rebound.
With 2:12 left Bertuzzi cut the deficit in half as Larkin made a nice drop pass at the red line and Bert picked the top left corner with a nice defensive screen.
Edvinsson is using his stick well at times and can “interfere without interfering”. Coach LaLonde said that 6 or 7 years ago Edvinsson would probably automatically go to GR. Any more, there are some players they want to develop at the pro level (and the cap certainly impacts that at times). I have no idea where he’ll start, but it’s a good sign that the left side is going to start getting better.
He looks like a giant next to Trevor. I keep forgetting he grew 2 inches after he was drafted
First Period Red Wings Goals:
Bertuzzi with a nice off wing top corner shot after a drop pass by Larkin (preceded by some good defense by Edvinsson though some games could see that being called interference).
Second Period:
Starting to see some smoother sequences, but still a lot of broken plays that sees the puck head Toronto’s direction. The drop off is still way too steep after Larkin/Bert/Vrana/Raymond. Zadina and Veleno just need to find their happy place and enjoy the game.
At 9 mins Vrana had a nice quick snap shot after Perron made a good play to get him the puck. Encouraging shift.
At 10:32 Soderblom made a beautiful backhand off of a stick that looks taller than I am (6’1”). It amazes me some of the plays he makes that belie that huge frame. I’d rather him play 20+ in GR but he may see some time in the D.
Wings find themselves short handed at about the 13 minute mark. A successful kill, but a far cry from Toronto’s top unit who managed a gaudy 27% effectiveness on the man advantage.
Period ends with a 2 second power play, 1:58 will carry over
Second Period Red Wings Goals:
Soderblom gets a beautiful backhand shot off and in the net after a Maple Leaf turnover.
Third Period:
Veleno finally gets on the board near the 12 minute mark. He’s down almost 10 lbs but still a strong body, useful player. Exactly the kind of seeing eye shot he needs to let himself calm down and jump into play. It’s easy to type but you typically get about 30 seconds to get on and off the ice and make some type of impact. I call it “chess during an earthquake”.
After far too many icing calls, Bertuzzi (after 2 min on the ice) put Detroit short handed with a delay of game penalty. Sandin looks really good with the puck, good signing thus far for Toronto.
Wings kill off the penalty, 3:55 left. Leafs pull goalie with a minute left and Bertuzzi gets an empty net (assist by Raymond)
Third Period Red Wings Goals:
Veleno doesn’t overthink this, just a clean shot off the boards and the first lead of the game.
Empty netter. No video yet but here’s a happy screen
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