The Red Wings hit the ice at Little Caesars Arena ahead of tonight’s game against the Buffalo Sabres (7:30 PM EDT on the Red Wings’ website and/or YouTube channel)…
Morning skate at LCA ahead of tonight’s preseason home opener vs. Buffalo pic.twitter.com/6Y0lLnMQdm
— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) September 30, 2021
Good morning ???#LGRW pic.twitter.com/S50UweGKkL— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 30, 2021
We didn’t receive any lineup news from the skate, but Lucas Raymond will be making his preseason debut, per WXYZ’s Jeanna Trotman and Brad Galli:
Lucas Raymond said he’s looking forward fo playing tonight at @LCArena_Detroit in front of the home crowd- said he’s been dreaming of this day since he got drafted. pic.twitter.com/5kCkZoSmyw— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) September 30, 2021
Lucas Raymond said he’s extremely excited for his Red Wings preseason debut pic.twitter.com/3JiUDNqNKU— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 30, 2021
And DetroitRedWings.com’s Ethan Sears confirmed that both Moritz Seider and Raymond will play tonight:
After five months, the Detroit Red Wings make their return to Little Caesars Arena on Thursday night, facing the Buffalo Sabres in their second preseason game, coming off a 4-3 shootout win against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.
Though the Red Wings will be without some of their stars – namely Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi – there’s still a lot to look out for when the puck drops at 7:30 (DetroitRedWings.com). In particular, the preseason debuts of Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.
The Red Wings’ first round draft picks in 2019 and 2020, respectively, Seider and Raymond both come into the preseason looking to secure roster spots. Seider, though, looks much more likely to be with the team on Opening Night – at this point, anything less would qualify as a surprise.
“He’s as prepared as any young player I think at his age coming in,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said early in training camp. “That preparation through the (German League) into the American League into the (Swedish Hockey League) last year. Like for a kid his age, he’s probably as prepared as anybody could be. And he’s excelled at really each level, which is critical.”
Meanwhile, Ken Kal reflected on last night’s 4-3 shootout win over Chicago…
Calvin Pickard was fantastic last night. Best I’ve seen him play in a Red Wings sweater. Those OT saves were hi light quality. Great goaltending usually = wins and points!— Ken Kal (@KenKalDRW) September 30, 2021
And when coach Blashill spoke…
pic.twitter.com/PRDywkeqXU— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 30, 2021
Shoulder surgery for Jakub Vrana. Will miss at least 4 months. Big blow.— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) September 30, 2021
Sonofabitch. Sounds like Vrana was working through one of those nagging issues that became surgically relevant. :(— George Malik (@georgemalik) September 30, 2021
So, yes, Bobby Ryan probably earns a spot on the Wings’ roster with Vrana gone. And, suddenly, Raymond, Berggren and Veleno are one step closer to a call-up.— George Malik (@georgemalik) September 30, 2021
Anyway…
Jeff Blashill on expectations for this team: “The reality is you don’t get to places without taking steps forward on a consistent basis. I know we need to keep improving as a group and individually.” pic.twitter.com/VChyex75L8— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) September 30, 2021
Jeff Blashill on his expectations for Lucas Raymond:
“I told him my wife’s watching. He’s gotta stand out that way.” ? pic.twitter.com/YJNyvw4HVW— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 30, 2021
Jeff Blashill on what Lucas Raymond has to do in his debut tonight (Red Wings exh. vs Sabres): “Well, I told him my wife will be watching.”
Joked the other day it has to be obvious to his wife if Raymond should be on opening night roster. (And made it clear “she knows hockey.”)— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) September 30, 2021
Jeff Blashill admits he told Adam Erne he made “way more plays” last season than he expected.
Said Erne has earned it through a tough road, and it was a good question to wonder what his potential can be.— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 30, 2021
Update:
Hey fans,
Back at it again. Here’s the projected line ups for tonight’s game vs Buffalo. Catch our broadcast at 7:15pm @WWJ950 pic.twitter.com/HtLjKpsmFd— Ken Kal (@KenKalDRW) September 30, 2021
