DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills previews tonight’s game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Washington Capitals in DC (7:00 PM EDT on the NHL Network/Monumental Sports Network):
Detroit opened its eight-game preseason schedule Tuesday with a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena. Michael Rasmussen and forward prospect Nate Danielson scored even-strength goals, and captain Dylan Larkin and Moritz Seider netted power-play tallies for the Red Wings.
As expected in the first preseason game, Detroit had its ups and downs throughout Tuesday’s win. But according to Rasmussen, the Red Wings are much more comfortable in the second season of Lalonde’s system.
“Stuff to clean up, for sure,” Rasmussen said. “That’s just part of it. Maybe preseason game No. 1 this year compared to last year, it was pretty good and noticeable. I thought we did a pretty good job. Obviously, we’ll look at it and get better.”
The final score in preseason games is secondary for Lalonde, who said he is using these matchups as opportunities to experiment with different lineups and strategies while evaluating the club’s talent.
The Red Wings’ expanded roster features several promising young players, including defenseman prospect Simon Edvinsson, who tallied an assist in 17:30 of ice time on Tuesday.
“These games are really important,” Lalonde said. “Especially (Edvinsson) missing an entire summer of contact. So, some positives. He can do things you just can’t teach, but there are still some things in his game he needs to keep growing.”
