The Traverse City Record-Eagle’s Jordan Puente posted an article which discusses the Red Wings’ points of emphasis as the preseason gets underway tonight in Pittsburgh:
Detroit’s first preseason game is Tuesday at [PPG Paints Arena] against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Head coach Derek Lalonde, who was hired during the offseason, is pleased that there are games to play before starting the season.
“Structure and keep building in on our process with implementing new neutral zones,” said Lalonde on what he wants to see in preseason. “Take a step every day, and hopefully with our structure, which is something new for the guys, but certainly establishing some attitude. I feel fortunate that we have eight (preseason) games this year to tune some things up before our home opener.”
Like most NHL organizations, rosters haven’t been set in place. Lalonde hasn’t thought much about it, saying he’ll have a better idea through those eight games.
“(General Manager) Steven (Yzerman) and I have talked a few times, we’ve talked directly about being patient with this,” Lalonde said. “Haven’t stressed about it or gone too deep into it. So I can’t look at all our numbers going forward.”
For teams who are well experienced with each other, having eight games may seem like a lot; but for Lalonde and his staff, it is a godsend.
“This is the first time and only time in my NHL career I’ll be happy to have eight games,” said Lalonde with a smile.
