Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen discusses the Red Wings’ “return to play” after a nearly two-week-long break as the Wings will host the Washington Capitals tomorrow…
“It was good to watch last night’s game (Nashville-Washington) and you could see there was a lot of emotion,” [Wings coach Jeff] Blashill said. “That’s great, just getting back at it. This is what we do and to a large degree what we live for, so it’s great to get back going.”
The Lucas Raymond news is important because originally it was thought he might not be cleared until after the Washington game. Raymond is the team’s most skilled goal scorer. The Red Wings were preparing as if Robby Fabbri would play in Raymond’s spot on the top line. At one point, the Red Wings had nine players on the COVID-19 list during the break.
“I think we were really lucky,” Detroit defenseman Moritz Seider said. “A lot of guys didn’t even have to sit out for even one game. We had a really good practice today. I think we can build on that and go form there and get excited for tomorrow. Obviously a big advantage for us (is) we don’t have to travel much. Hopefully we can focus a bit more on practices, and go back to work here.”
And Blashill noted that the Red Wings’ return to a nearly full lineup–minus Nick Leddy, at least–might alter the situation regarding one Joe Veleno:
With all the forwards back, the question now is what to do with rookie Joe Veleno.
“That’s a conversation between myself and Steve (Yzerman),” Blashill said. “Steve would ask me where I’d have him and then ultimately if Steve thinks it’s best for him to develop with more ice, depending on where I have him and what roles I have him slotted in, then certainly he might make that decision to say, ‘If that’s the case then I want to send him down.’ Obviously, if I have him in a ton of big roles that would be an easy decision for Steve. We just found out this morning that Raymond is available.
“That puts us in a decision on who the 12th forward is and who the 13th guy is. I’ll go through that process after practice. Ultimately, we want Joe to develop. So whatever is best for Joe’s development is what we’ll ultimately decide and that’s for further conversation.”
Continued; I’m betting that Veleno goes back to Grand Rapids for a bit.
“I’m betting that Veleno goes back to Grand Rapids for a bit.”
Probably right but wrong for Veleno, Zadina has done Nothing (but you can’t send him down). Joe is destined for the 3rd line, a nice thought is having a 3rd line with some offense and some PK, good D.
Veleno will take being sent down with class but it is not the best solution but I do not have any skills like StevieY. Hope he doesn’t take Blashill too seriously. Sadly the 1st line is far ahead of the other 3.