Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: Maurice’s Ugly Beard Stance; Cossa’s Walleye Perfect

Published

12 months ago

May 7, 2023

The Toledo Walleye, led by two Detroit Red Wings’ prospects in net, are now 6-0 in ECHL playoff action this season

After sweeping the Indy Fuel in the opening round, the Walleye have grabbed a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven Central Division Final against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Sebastian Cossa, a Red Wings 2021 first-round pick, made 15 saves Friday to beat the Cyclones 6-2.

On Saturday, John Lethemon, signed by the Red Wings late in the season, made 36 saves for the Walleye to down the Cyclones, 5-2.

Cossa gets the win stopping 15 of 17
This is 3rd straight playoff win.#lgrw pic.twitter.com/SQJtMsNnue

— Zack (@ZackR1999) May 6, 2023

Cossa, 20, is 3-0 in these playoffs with a 1.33 goals-against average and .938 save percentage. Lethemon is also 3-0 with a 2.33 GAA and .926 save percentage for the the Walleye. Red Wings prospect defenseman Seth Barton leads Walleye defensemen with seven points in six games.

Red Wings’ Offseason

In looking at various mock draft, one in particular inspires further review. The Hockey Writers’ 2.0 Mock Draft has Detroit taking Zach Benson. That’s interesting by itself. He’s a smaller forward with a higher degree of offensive skill. But the more intriguing projections is Detroit taking Swedish defenseman Axil Sandin Pellikka of Skelleftea AIK with their second first-round pick. He’s a right-shot defenseman who played 22 games in the SHL. The Red Wings historically like Swedish players and they need right-shot defenders.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Defenseman Simon Edvinsson’s shoulder surgery was for “preventative” reasons. That report came from a Swedish news outlet.
The Red Wings‘ next step is to find a higher degree of consistency in the 2023-24 seasons.
Defenseman Jake Walman is now considered part of the core group that is charged with pushing the Red Wings out of rebuild mode.
Mock draft predicts Red Wings will take Team USA center Oliver Moore.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: This could be the end of Connor Clifton’s time with the Bruins. Boston Bruins.

Buffalo: Goalie Devon Levi is among three Buffalo Sabres named to Canada’s roster or the World Championships. If Levi gets an opportunity to play, this could add another layer to his development. Buffalo Sabres.

Chicago: Writer Nate Brown points out that the top of the NHL draft still has some mystery after Connor Bedard is picked at No. 1. Chicago Blackhawks.

Colorado: Logan O’Connor had career-high scoring numbers, but Evan Rawal looks at whether he did enough this season to hel the Avs. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: Coach Paul Maurice provides the ugly truth about why he doesn’t honor the NHL playoff tradition of growing a beard. Florida Panthers.

New York: Welcome Hockey Now’s new Islanders writer Andrew Fantucchio. New York Islanders.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski writes that the new Penguins GM, whoever it is, must focus on bring more speed to the Penguins’ lineup. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: SJHN offers a look at who the Sharks might take in the first round, no matter where they sit after Monday’s Draft Lottery. San Jose Sharks.

Washington: Former Capitals player Jeff Halpern, now a Tampa Bay assistant coach, will be interviewed for the Capitals head coaching gig. Washington Capitals.

Vegas: The Golden Knights were off their game in a 5-1 Game 2 loss. Leon Draisaitl scored two more. So did Connor McDavid. Vegas Golden Knights