The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan filed a game-day notebook in which he discusses Joe Veleno’s opportunity to help kick-start the Red Wings’ power play, where Veleno will work on the second unit instead of Filip Zadina:
“I’ve got to make the most of it with the opportunity they’re giving me,” Veleno said. “Take advantage of every situation, every game, every day that I get to come to the rink, and not give them a reason to not put me in the lineup or to send me back down. That’s up to me and my work ethic, my compete and my urgency. If I set my expectations high, and I do those things and I come to the rink every day and I apply those things, my chances of sticking around will be pretty good.”
Veleno has had power-play success in Grand Rapids. Six of the 15 goals Veleno scored in the American League were on the power play.
With the Wings, Veleno’s first NHL goal last season was on the power play.
“We still have to make a decision on it,” coach Jeff Blashill said of using Veleno on the specialty team. “We’ll see if that is how it works out in a game or not. Joe is a guy, who ultimately, we would like to see get opportunities on the power play to see if he can be a good power-play player at the NHL level.”
A prolific offensive player in junior hockey, Veleno has played in a variety spots on the unit.
“I’ve played mostly everywhere on the power play the last couple of years,” Veleno said. “I’ve had some looks on the bumper, I’ve had some looks on the strong-side flank. My off-wing flank. Wherever (Blashill) puts me, I’m going to have to do the most with that position.”
Continued with discussions regarding the Wings’ need for a “shooting mentality,” and their tough schedule to come.
