The Detroit Red Wings’ prospects were supposed to hold an optional skate ahead of tonight’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Instead, 15 skaters took part, including starter Kaden Fulcher. Jared McIsaac won’t be available tonight due to a shoulder issue, so Marcus Crawford will step in on defense.
I believe that Michael Rasmussen, David Pope, Reilly Webb, Jordan Topping and the injured McIsaac and Lane Zablocki were the only players absent from the skate, and the Wings only skated for about half an hour, but their drills were crisp and intense.
After the skate, I spoke with Zach Gallant, albeit briefly, regarding his goal last night and his status as more of an offensive threat on the wing…
Filip Zadina has been a little frustrated over the course of the tournament, but a player searching for time and space insisted that he’s not overly concerned about his scoring abilities, and that at the present moment, he’s happy to generate opportunities for his linemates, Joe Veleno and Michael Rasmussen:
Alec Regula and I spoke about a number of topics, including his status as in-and-out of the lineup, his work with the Wings’ skill development coaches, the team’s commitment to defense and their outlook going into the championship game:
Givani Smith gave short answers while being queried regarding his scrappy play, the timing of his fight last night versus his attempts to keep composed throughout the game, and he spoke briefly regarding the Wings’ opportunity to capture a championship, as well as his work with Shawn Horcoff, who’s become a bit of a mentor to him:
Finally, coach Ben Simon confirmed Fulcher and McIsaac’s statuses, he discussed the team’s preparation for the championship game, he talked about the Wings’ attitude going into tonight’s game (they’re loose) and he reflected on 9/11 as well:
