The Red Wings defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 in a shootout in last night’s preseason opener. “One game in” is an incredibly, incredibly early time in the preseason to make regular season predictions, but likely fourth-line center Mitchell Stephens played absolutely excellent hockey during training camp and exhibition game one, as DetroitRedWings.com’s Ethan Sears notes:
Mitchell Stephens scores, brings energy: Over the weekend, Mitchell Stephens opened some eyes by scoring twice during the Red Wings’ Red and White scrimmage. In the first preseason game, he picked up right where he left off.
Early in the second period, after Detroit had given up two goals in a two-minute span and the game looked to be slipping away, Stephens found himself free on a breakaway. His wrist shot beat Kevin Lankinen to the far post, cutting the deficit to 3-2.
Stephens’ energy and skating was also noteworthy, particularly on the forecheck. There were a handful of times where he managed to keep the puck in the Red Wings’ offensive zone, or create Chicago turnovers that led to chances.
All we’ve seen so far is a single preseason game and a scrimmage, so it’s important not to overreact. But Stephens is in a fight for playing time, and a consistent spot on the fourth line.
It’s hard to imagine he hasn’t put himself in a good spot based on what we’ve seen so far.
Continued; Stephens has looked like he’s going to cement his status as the Wings’ resident replacement for Darren Helm and/or Luke Glendening thus far, in both practices and games. Again, it’s incredibly early, but Stephens has been tremendously good.
