Of Red Wings-related note this morning:
- The Free Press’s Helene St. James took note of Dylan Larkin and coach Jeff Blashill’s comments regarding the impact of the Red Wings‘ newer recruits…
“A year ago when we got scored on, it felt like we got scored on 10 times,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “When they tied the game up a year ago, it felt like we were going to lose. Instead, we did a good job of just keeping playing. We come right out and score and that’s a huge response, and we responded again with the game-winning goal. Part of that is fresh faces, part of that is maturity, and part of that is just a long time between seasons.”
Ryan, along with fellow new additions in Vladislav Namestnikov, Troy Stecher, Jon Merrill and Marc Staal provide stability and depth. In Thursday’s opener, new goaltender Thomas Greiss did everything he could to give his teammates a chance to rally.
“I’ve been so impressed,” Larkin said. “I can’t talk enough about their attitudes, their mindset. They’ve all been in big games and they understand that some things are going to go against us, and it’s all right. We’re going to play hard. Troy Stecher playing with the body, Marc Staal blocking shots, Namestnikov blocked a huge shot and had two breakaways. I’ve been very impressed with Mathias Brome and his poise. I’ve just been impressed with all the guys. They love being Red Wings and they’re just hockey players. They want to make plays. They never get discouraged.”
2. And MLive’s Ansar Khan made three observations over the course of a subscriber-only article this morning. Among them:
[Filip] Zadina picked up a pair of primary assists in the Red Wings’ 4-2 victory Saturday over the Carolina Hurricanes at Little Caesars Arena.
He set up Bobby Ryan’s goal that opened the scoring by stealing the puck from Warren Foegele. He set up Robby Fabbri’s game-winning goal by hustling after a rebound in the corner.
Teammates noticed Zadina’s aggressive puck pursuit in training camp.
“Since he was drafted to our organization he was known for his skill,” Dylan Larkin said. “This year I’ve seen him work away from the puck. I’ve seen him work to our own zone. He’s stripping pucks, he’s moving his feet. Those are two huge plays for us, poised plays and I hope it helps his confidence.”
Zadina, 21, called it part of the process.
“I have been here for two years. Every single game I’m getting more confident,” Zadina said. “It just takes time. Just got to keep going and play with the puck. If I don’t have the puck, just win the battles and get the puck back.”
