MLive’s Ansar Khan posted a lengthy article discussing the Red Wings’ return to a margin of relevance due to the tremendous play of Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider:
Seider, the defenseman selected sixth overall in 2019, was a lock to make the team after being named defenseman of the year in the Swedish Hockey League last season. Raymond, the right wing taken fourth overall in 2020, needed to excel in training camp and the preseason, and his performance in a home exhibition against Chicago, which dressed its best players, convinced coach Jeff Blashill.
“But even with that said, you just don’t know,” Blashill said. “Then you keep watching. I’m not going to get ahead of myself right now. He’s done a really good job so far. He’s really smart, and he’s been able to produce while also playing the right way. I think that’s the biggest key. That’s why he’s been so transferable. He doesn’t need to cheat to create offense. He earns ice time.”
Raymond’s terrific shot, crisp passing and overall hockey sense earned him a promotion to the top line with Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi early in the season. At 19, he has tremendous self-awareness.
“I’m trying to find my game and I’m still learning every day and trying to get better at the areas that are my weaknesses and always trying to improve my strengths,” Raymond said. “But overall, I’m just trying to be an offensive forward who you can count on defensively who plays hard every night. Still working and going to find my identity as it goes on.”
It starts with consistent effort.
“I think my main thing is to try to go out there and skate real hard,” Raymond said. “I feel like if I’m playing with pace I get into situations with speed and I get out of them with speed as well and get closer to the puck and get the puck as much as possible.”
I am not sure about Blashill? Most hockey people on this planet and even other planets do not have the negativity this guy has or maybe he is just DUMB!
Yeepers Creepers