DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills posted a game-day notebook ahead of tonight’s exhibition game between the Red Wings and Penguins (7 PM EDT on SportNet Pittsburgh, DetroitRedWings.com, 97.1 the Ticket):
The Red Wings opened a stretch of three preseason road games in as many days Tuesday, falling to the Chicago Blackhawks, 4-2. Joe Veleno scored two goals and goalies Ville Husso and professional tryout Michael Hutchinson combined to turn aside 30 of 33 shots in the loss.
“(Tuesday’s game) put some of our young D in a vulnerable position being on the road against a predominantly NHL lineup,” Detroit head coach Derek Lalonde said. “But that’s one of the positives about the preseason.”
Although the Red Wings will dress two different lineups amidst this busy three-day stretch, Lalonde said the coaching staff continues to deliver a consistent message to the club’s expanded roster.
“Just manage it,” Lalonde said. “We have two teams going, so a couple guys will get some back-to-backs. Message still hasn’t changed. We’re going to keep working on some things in our game.”
Daniel Sprong is projected to play against the Penguins, and the 26-year-old forward said he has been impressed by the Red Wings’ depth this preseason.
“We’re a deep team,” said Sprong, who signed a one-year deal with Detroit this offseason. “I don’t think it’s just the forwards. If you look at our back end and goalies, we’re a deep team. It reminds me a lot of Seattle last year, where we had depth on all four lines. I think any four lines and our D can step up and make a difference every game.”
