The Detroit Red Wings will start Alex Nedeljkovic tonight against the Tampa Bay Lighting (7:30 PM on BSD/BS Sun/97.1 FM), and after today’s morning skate, Danny DeKeyser spoke with the media, as noted by WXYZ’s Jeanna Trotman:
Danny Dekeyser: it’s a huge honor (to be named an alternate captain.) It’s a team I grew up watching. I had a dream as a kid to play here. pic.twitter.com/TyELYMvmMm— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) October 14, 2021
Dekeyser said he agrees with a Jeff Blashill that there is more depth in the Wings’ defense this year than in years past. There’s a balanced mix of veteran guys, as well as younger players with potential. https://t.co/B8P0rVN9iX— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) October 14, 2021
Danny DeKeyser said this group of guys is just ready to play. A lot of new faces and they’ll will have find their chemistry, but they are ready to play for real. #LGRW @DetroitRedWings— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) October 14, 2021
Marc Staal said he hasn’t been here very long but he smiled and said “it feels like I’ve been here forever.” He’s honored to wear an “A” #LGRW @DetroitRedWings— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) October 14, 2021
The Red Wings also welcomed fans back today:
It’s been too long.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 14, 2021
We’re excited to have you back, Hockeytown. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cRUfJX2OxS
Danny DeKeyser said this group of guys is just ready to play. A lot of new faces and they’ll have find their chemistry, but they are ready to play for real. #LGRW @DetroitRedWings— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) October 14, 2021
Staal said he thinks he may have been more excited for Mo Seider and Lucas Raymond than they were this morning. Says he thinks they might be trying to keep calm before the storm. #LGRW @DetroitRedWings— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) October 14, 2021
Ken Kal said, “Hello”:
Tonight’s line ups vs Tampa Bay pic.twitter.com/SRXtXH79Zu— Ken Kal (@KenKalDRW) October 14, 2021
Mark Staal: says he feels like he has been here longer than he has & credits the history of the organization and the sense of accountability within the staff and team. Staal was nervous leaving NY as it was the only place he’s known, but got the same sense of family in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/8gpAzv7jtf— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) October 14, 2021
Jeff Blashill said they’re really happy with their leadership group, but thinks there are a lot of guys that will step up and lead regardless of wearing a letter or not. #LGRW @DetroitRedWings— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) October 14, 2021
Jeff Blashill: raving about the type of leaders his alternate captains are. “We’re really happy with both those guys (Staal and Dekeyser) to support Larkin.” Said Dekeyser has been a “really good Red Wing for a long time” & Staal has been a great leader after his exp. in NY. pic.twitter.com/nMpFjhZLmy— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) October 14, 2021
Jeff Blashill talked about emotional control at his presser. I need to practice this when I watch football on Sundays. Lol. #alwayslearning— Ken Kal (@KenKalDRW) October 14, 2021
Coach Blash said it’s always fun Opening Night, but today’s is even more special with the fans back in the stands @DetroitRedWings #LGRW
Woo!— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) October 14, 2021
Jeff Blashill said it’s always special on opening night, but this one will be even more special. He also added that Hockeytown has the best fans. #LGRW @DetroitRedWings— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) October 14, 2021
“It’s always special in Hockeytown. I’d argue we have the best fans in the NHL.”
Blashill says opening night is always special, but even more so coming off a pandemic season where arenas are back at full capacity. https://t.co/JX764cFwec— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) October 14, 2021
???? ???. pic.twitter.com/0pMwjfSuzz— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 14, 2021
FYI:
Don’t know who is starting in goal tonight. With that said, I can tell you that Alex Nedelijkovic has a career save % of .962 vs TB and 1 shutout in 3GP.— Ken Kal (@KenKalDRW) October 14, 2021
