The Detroit Red Wings began preparations for Thursday’s season-opening game vs. the New Jersey Devils (7:30 PM EDT on ESPN+/Hulu) at Little Caesars Arena’s BELFOR Training Center this afternoon, skating with the lines they utilized over the course of the last two exhibition games for their “NHL lines.”
After practice, Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde spoke with the media…
Coach Lalonde says his message to Jonatan Berggren was “just keep doing things to make you an everyday NHL type guy.” Says it makes more sense to have him playing consistently in the AHL than sitting in the NHL #LGRW
— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) October 9, 2023
Ville Husso will be the starting goalie on Thursday’s game. Coach Lalonde says they anticipate him carrying most the weight of being the starter this season #LGRW
— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) October 9, 2023
Derek Lalonde has put a lot of emphasis on the fact that this roster has 7 NHL caliber defensemen on it. Won’t hesitate to go 11 and 7 in certain situations.
— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) October 9, 2023
Lalonde said Ville Husso will get the start on Thursday and they anticipate him being number one. The goalie situation will be a game by game situation adding that both Reimer and Lyon are capable.
— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) October 9, 2023
When asked about having guys with more experience this year, Coach Lalonde says “It’s a positive. We feel a little ahead of where we were last year.” #LGRW
— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) October 9, 2023
Derek Lalonde says Red Wings plan to carry 12 F, 7 D & 3 G into opener at New Jersey. If a forward becomes unavailable during the Thursday, will go with 11 F & 7 D against Devils.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) October 9, 2023
Lalonde said #RedWings will begin season with 12 forwards
— Ted Kulfan (@tkulfan) October 9, 2023
Derek Lalonde said Berggren needs to keep doing the the things to prove he’s an every day NHLer. He’ll get more playing time in Grand Rapids to do that.
— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) October 9, 2023
#RedWings Lalonde said they’re not calling up a 13th forward. Don’t need. Said he’s even contemplating going 11 forwards and 7 D. Confirmed Husso will start Thursday.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) October 9, 2023
From Derek Lalonde’s media availability today: younger players, like Edvinsson/Berggren better in GR playing then scratched. Also with just 12 forwards it makes it a bit easier to play for 11-7 lineups. Also Husso in net Thursday, which was already well known
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) October 9, 2023