Red Wings Rookie Raymond A Road Warror

Every day, the Detroit Red Wings and the NHL are learning something new about first-year forward Lucas Raymond. Here’s another nugget to file away – the kid is a road warrior.

Of his NHL rookie-leading 24 points, Raymond, 19, has gathered exactly two-thirds of that total – 16 points – while the Red Wings are skating away from home.

“I haven’t thought of it that way,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. “I judge his game more than I judge his points, so I wouldn’t say that’s how I judge it necessarily.”

Raymond Doubles Down On The Road

Strill, it’s difficult not to be impressed by how well Raymond is performing when the Wings are away for home. He’s definitely taking his show on the road. In 14 home games at Little Caesars Arena, Raymond is accounting for five goals and 3 assists. However, during 14 away contests, he’s compiling 5-11-16 numbers.

Clearly, playing in some tough rinks such as Boston’s TD Garden and Washington’s Capital One Arena aren’t proving to be intimidatng to the Swedish teenager. His teammates think that Raymond’s approach to hockey and to life in general, are probably playing a role in his success any he’s playing.

“He’s a really even-keeled guy,” Red Wings teammate Sam Gagner said. “He comes to the rink every day and he’s real happy. He’s excited for the opportunity.

“His hockey IQ stands out. He’s own of those guys who’s kind of always in the right spot. The puck follows him. He’s been very impressive in every area. It’s been fun to watch so far.”

Four of Raymond’s five multi-point games have come on the road. As well, his lone multi-goal game – his first NHL hat-trick- was achieved at Chicago’s United Center on October 24th.

“I can’t sit here and tell you that his road game has been way better than his home game,” Blashill said of Raymond, while noting that his road performance is worthy of recognition in one specific area. “It probably speaks to the fact that even with unfavorable matchups he can still produce offense, which is certainly a good sign.”