Hanas, Kasper Stepping Up For Red Wings; Fabbri Injury Not Considered Serious

The NHL preseason is the time for prospects to shine and be gaining notice and Detroit Red Wings hopefuls Cross Hanas and Marco Kasper were finding different methods to stand out in Saturday’s 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals.

Pressed into a higher spot in the lineup following an injury to forward Robby Fabbri, Hanas set up Austin Czarnik for Detroit’s first goal and was potting the fourth Red Wings goal himself.

He's already got an assist, so why not a goal for good measure? Cross Hanas puts the @DetroitRedWings back up by three goals with his first of the preseason! 🚨#LGRW pic.twitter.com/14wfMc1jkM

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) October 1, 2023

“Obviously, that was my first game at home, too, for any game up here,” Hanas said. “I didn’t get one last preseason, so it was pretty cool to be out there at LCA tonight, with the fans and stuff. To get one was pretty special.”

Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde is liking what he’s seeing from second-year pro Hanas.

“He can finish,” Lalonde said. “Some offensive confidence, can make some plays . Skill guy like that, he gets chances like that.”

Red Wings Kasper Drops Mitts With Mantha

Meanwhile, in a rare fight between two Red Wings first-round picks, 2021 top draft choice Kasper found himself trading punches with Washington’s Anthony Mantha. Detroit originally selected Mantha 20th overall in the 2013 NHL entry draft, later trading him to the Capitals.

He doesn't back down! Marco Kasper drops the gloves against former Red Wing Anthony Mantha! 👊#LGRW pic.twitter.com/YRpbjY8SaW

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) October 1, 2023

“He’s a gritty kid, you got to give it to him,” Hanas said of Kasper. “That guy’s a big veteran in this league. Proud of him. He stuck his ground. The guy is way bigger than him.

“Marco doesn’t back down from anybody. He’s a real big competitor”

Soaking It All In

Before the puck drop, Hanas and Kasper found themselves situated next to each other on the bench, both soaking in the atmopshere of their first NHL home-ice preseason experience as pros.

“A lot of people would kill to be in this spot, so I just try to take every day as a blessing,” Hanas said. “It’s great to be out there. LCA is a beautiful arena. It’s pretty crazy. Me and Marco, it was his first game (at LCA), too.

“I remember being on the bench and right before the puck dropped, we looked at each other like ‘Holy Smokes! This is sweet.’ It’s just super-fun to be out there.”

Fabbri Ailment Not Considered Serious

If the Red Wings were to ever stage a country hoedown, Fabbri could be the star act. No one can sing a hurtin’ song like him. If it weren’t for bad luck, he’d have no luck at all.

In his second game back following the fourth knee surgery of his career, Fabbri didn’t make it to the second period. Fortunately, this latest ailment isn’t related to his oft-injured knees. It’s an upper-body injury and one that is not believed to be a long-term issue.

“We’re probably being a little cautious there,” Lalonde said. “If he doesn’t practice tomorrow I think we’ll expect him sometime early in the week to practice.”

One player’s misfortune is another player’s opportunity. Moving up in the lineup from the fourth line, Hanas was able to capitalize on his additional role in the top-six forwards.

“It’s a lot of what sports is, just getting a chance,” Hanas said. “Obviously, you don’t want to see somebody go down and leave a game like that, but I kind of got an opportunity to play on a couple different lines tonight.

“That was pretty good for me.”