The Daily: Countdown to Kane; Ex-Red Wing Now in Calgary

It’s t-minus two days and counting in the official Patrick Kane countdown to his debut with the Detroit Red Wings. DHN’s Bob Duff writes that if Kane passes tests the coaches are planning for Monday he will play Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres.

That would be fitting because Kane grew up in Buffalo going to Sabres games.

If he isn’t ready for Tuesday, he will play Thursday at home against the San Jose Sharks.

Duff also offers five ways Kane will benefit the Detroit club even beyond the fact that his stickhandling ability will help the team gain the offensive zone with more ease when he is on the ice.

Kane traveled with the Detroit team and Duff also wrote about how Kane was live on the air, in the booth with Mickey Redmond and Ken Daniels, when his good buddy Alex Debrincat scored his 200th career goal. Kane expected the goal to happen and offered commentary/analysis on the tally.

When was the last time there was such excitement over a trade acquisition?

Patrick Kane's debut is approaching.

Hear from the man who is chomping at the bit. #LGRW | @ThinkFordFirst pic.twitter.com/hQU7BoqJnK

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) December 3, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• DHN’s Bob Writes offers five ways Patrick Kane is going to help the Detroit Red Wings.
• Defenseman Jake Walman showed his dance moves again after scoring the overtime goal to defeat the Montreal Canadiens.
• Detroit captain Dylan Larkin and his wife Kenzy suffered a tragic loss.
• Behind the paywall: Why the Detroit Red Wings are playing better hockey this season.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings, winners in five of their last six games, play on the road against the Buffalo Sabres (10-12-2) Tuesday. The Sabres have lost three of their last four games. They have given up six or more goals in each of those losses. Meanwhile, the Red Wings (13-7-3) have now scored four or more goals in all 13 of their victories.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Is it too early to announce David Pastrnak’s candidacy for the Hart Trophy? He had a goal, two assists and 10 shots on goal during Boston Bruins‘ 4-3 overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Calgary: Veteran Defenseman Mark Pysyk signed with Red Wings in 2022, but never played because of an Achilles injury. The Penguins gave him a tryout this season, but he couldn’t show what he could do. Now, he has signed a two-way deal with the Calgary Flames. He earns $775,000 if he plays in Calgary and $350,000 if he plays in the American Hockey League.

Chicago: How does Connor Bedard’s first 21 NHL games compare to Sidney Crosby’s first 21 games? Nate Brown takes a deep dive. Chicago Blackhawks.

New Jersey: James Nichols writes that prize prospect defenseman Simon Nemec was mostly strong in his NHL debut for the New Jersey Devils.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins power play continues to be unplugged. They have gone 10 consecutive games without a power play goal. Frustration grows for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: The San Jose Sharks waived 6-foot-3 skating defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov. He’s been a healthy scratch too many times. But he’s 25 and has an intriguing collection of attributes.