DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills posted something of a pre-game set-up ahead of tonight’s game vs. Pittsburgh (7 PM EDT on Bally Sports Detroit Extra/950 AM/Pittsburgh Penguins’ website):
The Red Wings will play eight preseason games, featuring two contests each against the Penguins, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Second-year head coach Derek Lalonde said the home-and-home sets are opportunities for players to prove they belong on Detroit’s Opening Night roster.
“Everyone is going to get plenty of game time,” Lalonde said. “Some more than others, obviously. There will be a purpose to that.”
Overall, Lalonde said he likes the way camp played out.
“Even in the Red & White game, you could see a little more organization with our structure,” Lalonde said. “I know it’s a small thing, but even our sets and face-offs guys were on the same page. It looked organized and detailed. It’s still a huge work in progress.”
Applying lessons learned in Traverse City is what the Red Wings aim to “rinse and repeat” throughout the preseason, according to Lalonde.
“You’re just working off your process of improving from the games and holes within your game,” Lalonde said. “Even from our Red & White game, we’ll be making some improvements, enhancements and where we want to be into Pittsburgh.”
