MLive’s Ansar Khan posted a notebook article which discusses Nick Leddy’s “fit” with the Red Wings thus far as his former team, the New York Islanders, come to town for the first of 3 meetings between the teams this month:
“A lot of excitement [going into tonight],” Leddy said. “I’ve played with most of those guys for north of five years, the long playoff runs, some of the tougher years and then some of the great years we had together. I think all those memories and bonds are huge. Probably have a little nerves out there. I’ve always had great times playing against friends. It’ll be even better playing against some real good friends.”
These teams are trending in opposite directions. Detroit has won four in a row and has points in five consecutive games (4-0-1), having allowed only 10 goals in that stretch. Alex Nedeljkovic is expected to start in goal tonight.
“We’ve had great goaltending; they’ve come up huge for us in the times we’ve needed them, and I think we’re really starting to figure out how to win,” Leddy said. “There may be some stretches in the game where we’re not playing our best but we’re competing and working hard and finding ways to win.”
Meanwhile, the Islanders are winless in nine (0-8-1). Their 2-1 overtime loss Thursday to San Jose snapped an eight-game regulation losing streak and marked their return after having two games postponed due to COVID-19. They started the season with 13 consecutive road games while construction of their new arena was being completed.
“They’re trying to get their traction and we don’t want them to get their traction against us,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said.
