The Daily: Will Augustine Own Net for USA?; Lyon No. 1 in Detroit?

USA plays Finland at 1:30 p.m. today (NHL Network) and Detroit Red Wings fans are hoping, probably expecting. that Detroit Red Wings’ prospect Trey Augustine (drafted 41st overall) will be USA’s starting goalie.

U.S coach David Carle hasn’t named his starter in advance.

But the case for Augustine is strong: The Michigan State freshman was limited to two games at the World Junior Championships (WJC) thus far because of illness, but in his two outings he owns a 2-0 record, 1.50 goals against and .952 save percentage. Augustine is also 6-1 in his career at the WJC. Jacob Fowler of Boston College has played three games for USA and has an .889 save percentage. He was the starter in the quarterfinal win over Latvia.

Asked David Carle if Jacob Fowler (MTL) starting today meant he was the No. 1 going forward. Carle would only say they continue to evaluate the decision and they have confidence in both Fowler and Trey Augustine (DET).

— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) January 2, 2024

Fowler and Augustine have both been impressive in college action this season, but Fowler has the better numbers and is the goalie for the No. 1 team in the nation.

The Red Wings clearly would like to see Augustine to get another test in a high level competition. Because Augustine has looked sharp this season, some Detroit fans are wondering if he may challenge Sebastian Cossa as the team’s top goaltending prospect. Cossa obviously is in his second season of pro hockey, while Davidson is two years behind in that regard.

Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine is on FIRE in this one. What a save.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/IUccsrpo4a

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 31, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• The Red Wings need at least four points on this Western road trip, but want five or six.
• Detroit prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka said the smothering celebration of his overtime goal for Sweden at the WJC caused some anxious moments when he couldn’t breathe.
• Alex Lyon has seized control of the Red Wings’ net for now. He has given up three or fewer goals in eight of his 10 appearances.
• Behind the paywall: Johannson making a strong impression in Grand Rapids. He seems close to being ready.

Red Wings Next Game

Tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Kings (10:30 p.m., ET) will be the biggest challenge of the Red Wings’ road trip. The Kings (20-9-5) sit 10th overall in the NHL standings, while the Red Wings (18-16-4) are 20th. The Kings have been somewhat inconsistent of late, going 0-2-1 in their last three games. But they are still playing strong defensively. They are 4-5-1 in their last 10, even though they gave up only 2.7 goals per game during the span.

Hockey Now Network

Buffalo: Jason Moser weighs in about who will represent the Buffalo Sabres at the NHL All-Star game.

Chicago: The Chicago Blackhawks claimed defenseman Jaycob Megna from Seattle on the waiver wire.

Colorado: Evan Rawal writes Ben Meyers’ improvement and Valeri Nichushkin’s impact.  Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: The Florida Panthers are back in Las Vegas for the first time since the Stanley Cup Finals.

Montreal: Juraj Slafkovsky is playing the best hockey of his young career with the Montreal Canadiens.