The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan took note of Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde’s comments regarding opening the 2023-2024 season against the highly-heralded New Jersey Devils…
The schedule makers gave the Wings a bit of help in that they don’t open the season until Thursday in New Jersey. So, it’s an extra three days of practice to refine things. But, you could tell the excitement to get the schedule rolling is there.
“The opening game of the year is unique,” Lalonde said. “I know there are 82 (games) of them but there is something special about that opening game.”
Lalonde is also thankful about facing a powerhouse like the Devils.
“I love the fact we are playing a team that top to bottom is a legit Stanley Cup contender,” Lalonde said. “Maybe the best team toward the second half of last season. I don’t think it’s an accident they rolled, easily to a 6-0 record (in the preseason). They have depth, play with pace and I just think it’s a real good test for us to start.”
And forward David Perron summarized the Wings’ take regarding their need to prove their critics wrong:
Perron said the Wings learned some valuable lessons last year that need to be carried over.
“We made some strides and we had those moments like we felt the games were getting bigger and bigger and then we didn’t have enough (after the trade deadline),” Perron said. “You have to put up the results, and points in the bank, and I’m not saying it’s naturally going to happen. We have everything to prove. We had a good start last year and it carried us for a while and we’ll try to do that (again) but every year is different and we have to prove it all over again.”
