DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings lost eight out of nine. They fell out of an Eastern Conference wild card spot. Local sports talk Radio, 97.1 The Ticket, even did a segment three hours before game time about whether Detroit coach Derek Lalonde was in danger of being fired.

Their opponent was the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team sitting 29th in the NHL overall standings. This was going to be the ‘W’ that would get them rolling.  Lalonde expected his team to breathe fire in the first period. Instead, the Red Wings played one of their worst periods of the slump. They were out-shot 20-5 and outscored 2-0 on breakaway goals.

“I was flabbergasted,” Lalonde said. “I was shocked. Disappointed. I never thought with this group that … it felt like they quit, and I couldn’t believe it.”

Lalonde would not reveal the specifics of what he said to his players after the period. “I’ll probably just keep that in the room,” he said.

Regain Playoff Spot

But whatever was said, the Red Wings had not quit. They tied the game 2-2 on second period goals by Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. Even when it looked bleak when they trailed 3-2 late in the third, they found a tying goal by Raymond with 12.6 seconds remaining in regulation. Then, they won 4-3 on Patrick Kane‘s overtime goal.

WHAT A FINISH!

Patrick Kane scores the @SUBWAYCanada OT winner for the Red Wings. pic.twitter.com/eTNWjjBaPR

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 20, 2024

It was the 15th time this season the Blue Jackets lost a third-period lead. James Reimer was impressive enough (32 saves) in goal to deserve a start on Thursday for Detroit.

The win pushed the Red Wings back into the Eastern Conference’s second wild card position, one point ahead of the Washington Capitals and three ahead of the New York Islanders. The Red Wings play the Islanders Thursday.

“So many emotional narratives this time of year,” Lalonde said. “Obviously, if we lose it’s a big narrative. Now we win and we’re won two of our last three and we’re over that line again. Separated ourselves a little bit from one of the teams we’re chasing with. It was huge, but it means nothing if we don’t get a little more battle to start. Stop feeling sorry for ourselves. It’s got to come from everyone. Honestly, going into this game, I thought we would have some jump.”

Kane Supplies Offense

Kane was involved in all three of Detroit’s goals, setting up both of Raymond’s goals. He admitted it was challenging to stay positive after the disastrous first period.

“It’s tough for sure, especially given the situation we were in a couple weeks ago,” Kane said. “But you try not to think about that and focus on the task at hand and just regroup. We were down two. It wasn’t like we were down five. So there was a lot of time left.”

The Red Wings were piling up wins three weeks ago, and had an eight-point lead in the wild card race.

While the Red Wings have been self-destructing, Raymond has been the only Detroit player surging. He has scored at least one goal in five consecutive games, and has seven goals in those five games. Raymond has back-to-back two-goal games.

“I think we just got back to the way we’re supposed to play,” Raymond said. “I think in the first we were hesitant, a little bit on our heels, playing slow. That doesn’t work in this league. Just full focus forward, just got momentum and tried to keep that going.”

The post Lalonde: ‘It Felt Like They Quit’; Red Wings Reclaim Playoff Spot appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The Detroit Red Wings hope to see their top line flying  against a Columbus Blue Jackets team that has given up four or more goals in more than half of their games this season.

The Blue Jackets have lost seven of their last eight, and surrendered five goals in three of their last five games.

Coach Derek Lalonde said the line of Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond isn’t getting enough chances. DeBrincat has no goals in his last seven games, while Larkin boasts one and Raymond has three. The line has no points in its past two games.

Alex DeBrincat through 14 games this season:

First seven games – 9 goals, 4 assists
Next seven games – 0 goals, 1 assist #RedWings | #LGRW pic.twitter.com/tzNQ72AuwJ

— Hockey Reference (@hockey_ref) November 10, 2023

“Teams are going to take the rush away from them and they’re going to have to generate in other ways and that’s on them,” Lalonde said. “A little more simple, take what’s given. Sometimes, it’s going to have to come off the forecheck if the rush isn’t there. Our most successful line right now is the Ras line and it’s all off the forecheck. ”

That fourth line includes Michael Rasmussen, Klim Kostin and Christian Fischer. They have been noticeable over the past two games.

Fewer Turnovers Needed

What does Lalonde want from the Larkin line?

“A little more gritty,” Lalonde said. “Just smarter at times. The keep trying to force … that line turned a lot of pucks over from the top of the circle to the top of the circle. Obviously, that’s not a recipe for success.”

Larkin said Friday that his line has been inconsistent with their chances.

“I think a big part of that is the power play,” Larkin said. “I would say a game like last night we generated chances, we just didn’t put the puck in the net. New York we didn’t play good, so it’s been inconsistent with us. Obviously I think other teams are watching it and noticing matchups, but it’s nothing that all three of us aren’t used to. We have to work through that. ”

Husso Will Play Vs. Columbus

The Atlantic Division is already showing signs that the scrap for a playoff spot is going to be tight. The Red Wings were hoping to get four points in their final two games before heading off to Sweden for games. After only landing one point against Montreal, they really need to earn two against Columbus.

Lalonde said Ville Husso will be in the net for Detroit and the Red Wings will not have Austin Czarnik available against Columbus because he was sent crashing into the boards by Montreal defenseman Jordan Harris Thursday. Lalonde thought a penalty should have been called and it wasn’t.

Czarnik left the arena on crutches Thursday night and had some tests today.

“We’ll probably get a feel tomorrow if he’s making that trip (to Sweden) with us,” Lalonde said.

Shayne Gostisbehere and Robby Fabbri will be back in the lineup after sitting out the game against Montreal.

The Red Wings are leaving for Sweden Saturday after the afternoon game against Columbus.

The post Red Wings Need Larkin Line Buzzing Again appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The NHL trade market remains hamstrung by the salary cap, but there has still been plenty of chatter across the league and as teams figure out exactly what they are.

Will the Columbus Blue Jackets finally unload a defenseman on the NHL trade market?

Did the Canucks play a bigger role in the Connor Garland trade chatter?

Also, the NHL and ESPN held the first ‘NHL Frenzy’ on Tuesday night, with all 32 NHL teams playing in a staggered schedule that had games starting up every 15 minutes. Will the frenzies become more frequent?

The post Off The Record: Blue Jackets; Garland; NHL Frenzy (+) appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Getting pushed around in an NHL rink isn’t a recipe for success, as the Detroit Red Wings were discovering late last season. Putting together a 7-1 run to get back into the playoff picture in February, the Wings were literally and figuratively run out of the building in back-to-back losses at Ottawa.

Building up more of a backbone in his team was among the offseason missions for Detroit GM Steve Yzerman. It didn’t take long for a Red Wings player to deliver on that promise.

Klim Kostin levels Cole Sillinger then drops the gloves with Erik Gudbranson. Great hit, great tilt. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/Hs1daP7qZD

— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) October 17, 2023

Leveling Columbus forward Cole Sillinger with a punishing bodycheck in the third period of Detroit’s 4-0 road shutout of the Blue Jackets, Red Wings forward Klim Kostin then answered the bell after ringing Sillinger’s bell. He dropped the gloves and stood toe-to-toe with Columbus defenseman Erik Gudbranson, trading punches in a spirited bout.

Kostin wasn’t at all surprised that he was challenged by Gudbranson and was ready, willing and able to answer the call.

“The team that is losing by four goals, it is usually frustrating and they start playing like a little dirty,” Kostin told Bally Sports Detroit. “But we just can’t let that happen, can’t let them do it against us. We need to protect ourselves.”

It’s certainly a quality that wasn’t prevalent with the Red Wings for many seasons.

“We have not had that of late,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde told Bally Sports Detroit. “That was big. One, just to play that way. I love that he was so physical and then just to defend himself in the end.

“Not only big for tonight, but I think a big thing going forward, too.”

Kostin Feels Red Wings Must Measure Up

Added from the Edmonton Oilers via trade, Kostin towers over most opponents at 6-foot-4 and 232 pounds. He was a playoff participant with the Oilers last season and fought five times during the 2022-23 NHL campaign. Kostin thinks he brings an element to the ice that can garner postseason success.

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“Every team who wants to win the Cup, who wants to go deep in the playoffs, they need to have that character,” Kostin said. “There is no way you can play in the playoffs and be like a soft team.”

The post Gotta See It: Red Wings Kostin Drops Mitts, Goes Toe-to-Toe With Gudbranson appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Mike Babcock is gone in Columbus. But there could be more fallout from the Babcock messiness still to come.

Captain Boone Jenner and veteran Johnny Gaudreau stood up for Babcock before the investigation into Babcock for looking at players’ cell phones began. Babcock eventually resigned. How will the Jenner support play in the Blue Jackets’ dressing room? Plus, Columbus ownership has to be questioning the original decision to hire Babcock.

Clearly, the Blue Jackets are embarrassed by the situation as they head into training camp. Also, new coach Pascal Vincent has work to do to make sure there are no lingering issues in the dressing room.

Elliotte Friedman addresses all of those issues in his 32 Thoughts column this week.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The Red Wings’ first preseason game is Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins (7 p.m.).

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Former Red Wings player Henry Boucha dies at 72.
• Bob Duff discusses which Atlantic Division teams the Red Wings could beat to secure a playoff spot (+). This story is behind the paywall.
• The Red Wings have invited Artem Anisimov and Michael Hutchinson to training camp on a PTO.
• Where the Detroit prospects like Elmer Soderblom and Marco Kasper stand after the NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Nate Brown weighs in on the Chicago Blackhawks’ decision not to have a captain.

Colorado:  Avalanche prospects go undefeated in rookie tournament. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: Colby Guy offers four burning questions heading into the Florida Panthers training camp.

Montreal:  The Montreal Canadiens acquired Tanner Pearson from the Vancouver Canucks. Are the Canadiens finally done dealing?

Nashville:  DUI charges have been dropped against Nashville Predators coach Andrew Brunette.

Philadelphia: Sylvain Couturier and Cam Atkinson are healthy heading into the Philadelphia Flyers training camp.

Pittsburgh: Dave Molinari writes about why the Pittsburgh Penguins could fizzle, rather than sizzle.

Vegas: What’s more likely: Jack Eichel registering 75 points or 90 points? Chris Gawlik looks at a variety of different scenarios that will impact the Vegas Golden Knights this season.

The post The Daily: Babcock Fallout in Columbus; Habs Still Dealing appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

In discussing the latest episode involving Mike Babcock, former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Aaron Ward is making some very salient points.

Appearing on Montreal’s TSN 690, where he’s a regular panelist, Ward stated that former Red Wings coach Babcock was crossing a line when the new coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets was requesting to see personal family photos from the smartphones of his players.

A few more examples of why so many players dislike Mike Babcock via ⁦@NHL_AaronWard⁩ ⁦@BizNasty2point0⁩ : No one owes Babcock anything right now – https://t.co/RMyd5uZm0t ⁦@TSN690⁩ https://t.co/4zt618NuYY

— Mitch Melnick (@HunterZThompson) September 13, 2023

The Blue Jackets, through statements from Babcock, team captain Boone Jenner and star player Johnny Gaudreau are striving the make out that the unrest of this situation into nothing more than a tempest in a teapot.

Here’s why it isn’t.

Just as there’s a separation between church and state, for any workplace to operate smoothly and to function effectively, there must be a separation between coach and player, or boss and employee.

“I expected to have a division between me and my coaches, me and my bosses,” Ward explained.

Don’t we all?

Babcock On Power Trip

Ward sees this whole episode as nothing more than a power trip by Babcock, an early reminder to his players that he’s the one calling the shots.

“You’re going to put them in a highly uncomfortable position and see if they’re willing to succumb to your demands,” Ward said. “‘Hand me your phone. Let me see what’s on your photo roll.’ You could have all kinds of things on your photo roll, things that you don’t especially feel like sharing with the boss in your work environament.

@HunterZThompson now that I know it’s normal and my employer wants to see my photo library, I prepped this preview:
1. My dog is an idiot
2. Wife getting manhandled by a miniature goat
3. Doesn’t need explaining
4. Proving to my kids I’m not avoiding them, on an actual flight
5.… pic.twitter.com/3te86nIpIw

— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) September 13, 2023

“How does that go about? Do I hold my phone, or do you hold my phone? Do I get to choose what you see, or am I expected to be fully transparent with you, because I owe you something at this point? That’s the line he crossed. He’s decided to step way too far into people’s lives.

“The manner is which he’s doing it is so offside. If you want to know about someone, you ask questions. You show interest, you have empathy. You allow that person to reveal at their pace what they want you to know. To ever put someone that you’re the boss of in a situation and ask them to provide images of their life? No thanks. It’s not your place and you’ve so grossly overstepped.”

Did Blue Jackets Not Understand What They Were Getting?

Ward also wonders whether the Blue Jackets truly vetted this situation. Did they consider all of the fallout that could be coming their way prior to hiring Babcock? Revelations of how the longtime coach was bullying players were leading to his ouster from the NHL.

“From an organizational standpoint, I have no idea if this is anything they could have projected, or thought about possibly being something that could happen to them in bringing Babock in,” Ward said. “But if they didn’t, they didn’t really do their research. The idea that maybe as an organization they didn’t do their full homework and search what potentially could be brought to their doorstep.”

Ward said that he’s also been hearing from someone within the Columbus organization. What he’s being told is how uncomfortable the situation is currently within the team.

“They’re right now on pins and needles trying to figure out what he’s all about,” Ward said. “There’s a little bit of an uncomfortable feel of how to absorb him.”

Ward also believes that from Babcock’s standpoint, he has to recognize that his every move will be under intense scrutiny. Epsisodes such as this simply can’t he happening on his watch. It doesn’t matter how harmless the team tries to paint it out to be.

“He does not have room to mess up,” Ward said. “He’s still Mike Babcock with a lot of baggage. He does not have the leeway to have any interpersonal relationship issues with hockey players ever again.

“From an organizational standpoint this is going to be a tough training camp. Mike usually makes things about himself. It’s already about Mike and we haven’t even dropped the puck for rookie camp yet.”

The post Former Red Wings D Ward Has His Say Regarding Babcock appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The Toronto Maple Leafs finalized their roster for this week’s NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City on Tuesday.

Fourteen of the 26 players, including 2023 top pick Easton Cowan, were drafted by the Leafs. They are coached by Toronto Marlies boss John Gruden.

They will join prospects from the Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets and the Red Wings in games starting Thursday and running through Sunday.

The Maple Leafs roster has a Michigan flavor. Max Ellis (Plymouth) and defenseman Tommy Miller (West Bloomfield) are Michigan natives. Forward Robert Mastrosimone,  second-round pick by the Red Wings in 2019, also is on Toronto’s roster. Toronto’s top prospect, Matthew Knies, will play in Traverse City.

The Maple Leafs play their first game Thursday against Columbus at 3:30 p.m. They play the Red Wings Sunday at 2 p.m.

Maple Leafs roster

Here is the Toronto squad, with player, 2022-23 team(s), and how acquired by the Maple Leafs. Players noted as drafted by other teams were signed as free agents.

Forwards — Easton Cowan (London (OHL), 2023 first round); Max Ellis (T0ronto (AHL), free agent);  Jacob Frasca (Barrie (AHL), free agent);  Tyson Greenway (Tri-City (WHL), free agent); Roni Hirvonen (HIFK (Liiga) ,v 2020 second round);  Matthew Knies (Minnesota (Big Ten)/Toronto (NHL), 2021 second round); Braedan Kressler (Flint (OHL), free agent); Brandon Lisowsky (Saskatoon (WHL), 2022 seventh round); Robert Mastrosimone (Arizona State, 2019 Detroit second round); Fraser Minten (Kamloops (WHL), 2022 second round); Dmitry Ovchinnikov (Sibir Niovosibirek (KHL)/Toronto (AHL), 2020 fifth round); Ryan Tverberg (Connecticut (Hockey East)/Toronto (AHL), 2010 seventh round); Ty Voit (Sarnia (OHL), 2021 fifth round); Tyler Weiss (Nebraska-Omaha (NCHC), 2018 Colorado fourth round).

Defensemen — Noah Chadwick (Lethbridge (WHL), 2023 sixth round); Nolan Dillingham (Sarnia (OHL), free agent); Mikko Kokkonen (Newfoundland/Toronto (AHL), 2019 third round); Mazden Leslie (Vancouver (WHL), free agent); Tommy Miller (Newfoundland/Toronto (AHL), free agent); Topi Niemela (Karpat (Liiga)/Toronto (AHL), 2023 third round);  Spencer Sova (Erie (OHL), free agent); Jonny Tychonick (Nebraska-Omaha/Toronto (AHL), 2018 Ottawa second round); William Villaneuve (Toronto (AHL), 2020 fourth round).

Goalies— Luke Cavallin (Newfoundland (ECHl0,v free agent); Dennis Hildeby (Farjestad BK (SHL)/Toronto (AHL); 2022 fourth round); Vyacheslav Pekur (Bars Kazan (VIL)/Irbis Kazan (MHL), 2021 sixth round).

The post Mastrosimone on Toronto’s Roster for Rookie Tournament in TC appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Red Wings fans will get a glimpse of their team’s future beginning Wednesday in Traverse City. Detroit plays the Dallas Stars Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

The Red Wings’ social media channels will live-stream the games.

The rosters for three of the four teams participating in this week’s prospects tournament have been announced. Dallas, Columbus  and Toronto prospects will compete against the Red Wings in three games.

Toronto, as of Monday night, has yet to announce which players will be spending the weekend looking to make a lasting impression.

The Blue Jackets will send their last four first-round picks to Traverse City, where they are competing for the 21st year.

Dallas is sending three former first-rounders to Traverse City. Lian Bischel, Dallas’ top pick in 2022, will make his North American debut after signing with Dallas over the summer. Another, Logan Stankoven, is considered a candidate to make the Stars out of training camp. Michigan native — forward Antonio Stranges (Plymouth) also is on the Dallas roster,

Red Wings prospects to watch include Carter Mazur, Elmer Soderholm and Amadeus Lombardi, all of whom hope to build on  impressive 2022-23  seasons.

Here are the rosters, with player, 2022-23 team(s), and how acquired:

Detroit Red Wings

Forwards — Nate Danielson (Brandon (WHL) 2023 first round); Alexandre Doucet (Val-d’Or/Halifax (QJMHL), free agent); Emmitt Finnie (Kamloops (WHL), 2023 seventh round);  Cross Hanas (Grand Rapids, 2020 second round); Marci Kasper (Rogie, SHL/Detroit), 2022 first round);  Amadeus Lombardi (Flint, OHL/Grand Rapids, 2022 fourth round); Dean Loukas (Saginaw, (OHL), free agent invitee); Tnias Mathurin (North Bay (OHL), 2022 fifth round); Carter Mazur (University of Denver (NCHC)/Grand Rapids, 2021 third round); Matyas Melovsky (Baie-Com0 (QMJHL), free agent invitee); Riley Sawchuk (Mount Royal (CUWAA), AHL contract); Nic Sema (North Bay/Saginaw (OHL), free agent invitee); Elmer Soderholm (Detroit/Grand Rapids, 2019 sixth round); Jake Uberti (Mississauga/Acadie-Bathurst (OHL/QJMHL), free agent signee).

Defensemen — Andrew Gibson (Sault Ste. Marie (OHL), 2023 second round); Antti Tuomisto (Assat, (Liiga), 2019 second round); William Wallinder (Rogle (SHL)/Grand Rapids, 2020 second round); Connort Punnett (Barrie (OHL), free agent); Finn Harding (Mississauga (OHL), free agent invitee); Jackson DeSouza (Kelowna (WHL), free agent invitee).

Goalies — Sebastian Cossa (Grand Rapids/Toledo (ECHL), 2021 first round); Jan Bednar (Acadie-Bathurst, (QMJHL)/Toledo, 2020 fourth round); Lukas Matrcha (Dynamo- Pardubice (Czech Jr.), free agent).

Dallas Stars

Forwards — Francesco Arcuri (Kitchener (OHL), 2021 sixth round); Oskar Back (Texas (AHL), 2018 third round); Ben Berard (Cornell (ECAC)/Texas, free agent); Matej Blumel (Dallas/Texas, free agent drafted by Edmonton 2019 fourth round); Mavrik Bourque (Texas, 2020 first round); Justin Ertel (North Bay, 2021 third round); Brad Gardiner (Ottawa (OHL), 2023 third round); Kyle McDonald (North Bay, free agent); Angus MacDonell (Mississauga, 2023 sixth round); Keaton Mastrodonato (Canisius (AHA)/Texas, free agent); Matthew Seminoff (Kamloops (WHL), 2022 sixth round); Logan Stankoven IKamloops, 2021 second round); Antonio Stranges (Idaho (ECHL)/Texas, 2020 fourth round); Chase Wheatcroft  (Prince George (WHL), free agent).

Defense — Tristan Bertucci (Flint, 2023 second round); Lian Bichtel (Leksandr IF, 2022 first round); Artem Grushnikov (Hamilton (AHL)/Texas, 2021 second round); Christian Kyrou (Sarnia (OHL), 2022 second round), Jacob Murray (Kingston-Guelph (OHL)/Cincinnati (ECHL), free agent); Gavin White (Peterborough (AHL). 2022 fourth round); Ben Zloty (Winnipeg (WHL), free agent).

Goalies — Remi Poirier (Idaho/Texas,  2020 sixth round); Bryan Thomson (Lethbridge (WHL), free agent).

 Columbus Blue Jackets

Forwards —Cameron Butler (Oshawa(OHL)/Cleveland (AHL), free agent); Luc Del Bel Belluz (Mississauga/Sarnia, 2022 second round); Kocha Delic (Sudbury (OHL), free agent invitee); Jordan Dumais (Halifax (QJMHL), 2022 third round);  Adam Fantilli (Michigan, 2023 first round); James Malatesta (Quebec (QJMHL), 2021 fifth round);  Sean McGurn (London (OHL), free agent invitee); Hunter McKown (Colorado College (NCHC)/Columbus, free agent); Justin Pearson (UConn (Hockey East), Cleveland, AHL contract); Tyler Peddle (Drummondville QJMHL) , 2023 seventh  round); Luca Pinelli (Ottawa (OHL), 2023 fourth round); Mikael Pyythia (TPS Turka (SM-Iligia)/Cleveland/Columbus, 2020 fourth round); Martin Rysavy (Moose Jaw (WHL), 2021 seventh round); Dmitri Voronkov (Ak Brs Kazan (KHL), 2019 fourth round). Oasiz Wiesblatt (Medicine Hat (WHL), free agent invitee).

Defensemen — Corson Ceulemans (Wisconsin (Big Ten)/Cleveland, 2021 first round); Nicholas DeAngelis (Windsor (OHL), free agent invitee); David Jiricek (Cleveland/Columbus, 2022 first round); Gunnar Kinniburgh (Saskatchwan (USports), free agent invitee); Samuel Knazko (Cleveland/Columbus, 2020 third round); Denton Mateychuk (Moose Jaw, 3202 first round); Ben Roger (Kingston (OHL), free agent invitee); Stanislav Svozil (Regina (WHL)/Cleveland/Columbus), 2021 third round).

Goalies — Pavel Cajan (Kalamazoo (ECHL)/Cleveland, AHL contract); Nolan Lalonde (Erie (OHL), free agent).

The post Rosters Out For NHL Prospect Tournament Teams appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Red Wings fans may not have to wait a couple of years to see prize young Detroit center Marco Kasper facing off against Columbus Blues Jackets elite prospect center Adam Fantilli.

The Blue Jackets will be one of the team competing against the Red Wings in the 24th NHL Prospect Tournament at Traverse City’s Centre Ice Arena from Sept. 14-17. The Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs are the other teams competing in the event that is popular with local fans. Fantilli played last season at the University of Michigan.

According to the Red Wings, 756 players who have played in this tournament have gone on to play at least one NHL game.

The Blue Jackets could also bring standout young defenseman David Jiricek who was ranked ahead of Detroit’s top defensive prospect Simon Edvinsson who is still recovering from offseason surgery.  The Stars’ general manager is Jim Nill who is was Ken Holland’s right-hand man in Detroit for many years before landing the Stars’ job.

The prospect tournament had as many as eight teams at one point, and had five last season. But other teams have started to host tournaments and the Detroit tournament has downsized.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman also announced Monday that the team’s training camp will be from Sept. 21-25 in Traverse City. Training camp and the preseason will determine if players, such as Kasper and Edvinsson, have a chance to play in Detroit. Edvinsson’s medical situation will also be a factor.

Tickets on Sale

The prospects tournament will be followed by the team’s Training Camp Golf Classic at the Traverse City Golf Club on Sept. 20. Golfers will have lunch before being paired with a Red Wings player, coach, or member of management.

After golf, which begins at 1:30 p.m., participants may attend a VIP reception. That will include silent and live auctions that include memorabilia and vacation packages.

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Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 15 at www.centreice.org/drwtickets. Prices range from $10-$40, depending on the event and time. For more information, click on the link or call (231) 933-7465.

The post Red Wings’ Traverse City Rookie Tourney Set for Sept. 14-17 appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

DETROIT — The Red Wings played what coach Derek Lalonde called its “worst game of the year”  Tuesday and still managed to pull out a 7-5 win against the Winnipeg Jets.

On Saturday, the Red Wings perhaps had what might be their most disheartening performance of the season. This time it resulted in a 4-3  loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Jets are in a playoff position. The Columbus Blue Jackets came into the game with the worst record in the Eastern Conference.

The Red Wings had an opportunity to take a three-game winning streak into a road trip that starts Monday afternoon in Colorado. Instead, they keep falling behind early because of inconsistent defensive coverage.

HATRIK LAINE

That's an @Enterprise hat trick for @PatrikLaine29! pic.twitter.com/7SJ3G6MWOq

— NHL (@NHL) January 15, 2023

They fell behind 4-0 in the second period to Columbus and then couldn’t score four goals in the third period, although the Red Wings sure tried.

Patrick Laine made the Red Wings pay for leaving the backdoor open most of the evening by netting his 10th career hat trick.

He scored two goals 2:43 apart in the first period, both times using his quick release to fire the puck into the net after pass to goalie Ville Husso’s back door. How did such dangerous scorer get that open? Lalonde was undoubtedly wondering the same thing. The Red Wings had four players watch Blue Jackets on the right wing side of the ice  and Adam Erne inexplicably went to join them. Suddenly Laine was alone.

The Red Wings were down 3-0 after the first period and then Laine completed his hat trick at 1:32 of the first period to make it 4-0.

Bad Habit

First period struggles have been the norm for Detroit lately. They fell behind 4-0 to the Pittsburgh Penguins, although they were able to come back and win that game. The Red Wings fell behind 3-0 to Buffalo and lost 6-3. They were down 2-0 to Ottawa before coming back to win that game 4-2.

Lucas Raymond scored with 4:04 left in regulation to make it a one-goal game.

Even down 4-0, the Red Wings had some hope of a comeback.  The  Blue Jackets team that gives up an average of 3.98 goals per game. That’s the second-worst GAA in the NHL this season. Olli Maatta was credited with the goal.

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Detroit’s first goal came in the third period when Columbus right wing Mathieu Olivier inadvertently directed the puck into his own net with his skate. Then Jake Walman scored with a shot from the high slot to make it a two-goal game.

But their offensive charge came too late. They ran out of runway.

The distressful aspect for the Red Wings is the loss denies them the opportunity to carry momentum into the road trip. They play five of their next seven on the road. The loss also prevented the chance to pull them within three of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The post Red Wings’ Third Period Rally Not Enough to Overcome Laine’s Hat Trick appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.