The Red Wings will host the New Jersey Devils this evening (8 PM EST start on Bally Sports Detroit/MSG+/97.1 FM) without coach Jeff Blashill, assistant coach Alex Tanguay, goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic and forwards Robby Fabbri, Michael Rasmussen, Carter Rowney and Givani Smith.
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s press conference with the media superseded the morning skate in terms of personnel-watching importance for Detroit’s media, but, well, this quip from Yzerman, who will employ assistant coach Doug Houda and Grand Rapids Griffins coach Ben Simon and assistant Todd Krygier tonight…seems ironic:
When asked if he has an option to talk to the league about postponing the game, Yzerman says he could call and give his opinion— but they’re ultimately going to make a decision on their own to protect the safety of the players and society. #LGRW— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 18, 2021
*Makes uncomfortable noises*
Steve Yzerman thinks the league is being consistent *this season* with shutting teams down.
“We’re not there yet,” he said. Last season, when the Red Wings went winless with guys out with COVID? “I didn’t think there was any consistency.”— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021
Steve Yzerman says Nedeljkovic’s positive came in today, hence the only one goalie at morning skate. Sounds like the others came in yesterday.— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) December 18, 2021
Steve Yzerman said he originally thought Lucas Raymond would need some time in the AHL. Added that he has gotten better every day since prospects tournament. Raymond through 30 NHL games has to be a pleasant surprise even for him. #LGRW— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) December 18, 2021
“The coaches don’t listen to me anyways,” Steve Yzerman said. ?
“I expect these guys to ignore me like Jeff would if he were here.”— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021
When asked about the coach changes for tonight, Steve Yzerman laughs and says “the coaches don’t listen to me after puck drop anyway, so I don’t expect anything to change.” ? #LGRW @DetroitRedWings— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 18, 2021
Yzerman said his understanding is Ben Simon will be Red Wings acting head coach tonight, Doug Houda would remain in his role running Detroit’s D, but adds it is a fluid situation.— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) December 18, 2021
I asked Yzerman about his team and their mentally going through all this for another hockey season. He said they all have been very positive. @Local4News pic.twitter.com/Yno9biR6Ol— Jamie Edmonds (@Jamie_Edmonds) December 18, 2021
Yzerman says he’s “fine with whatever everyone decides to do” RE: the Olympics. He’s a big supporter of NHLers at the Olympics, thinks it’s great for the game and league. But under circumstances says he understands league’s apprehension and player concerns over quarantines— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) December 18, 2021
Anyway, the Devils took to the ice for their morning skate at 11:30, and NewJerseyDevils.com’s Amanda Stein reported a problem:
Continue reading Red Wings-Devils morning skate Tweets II: More Yzerman presser Tweets; Devils without Blackwood (neck), Subban (COVID)