Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff discusses Alex Lyon’s attempts to earn a regular role among the Red Wings’ 3-goalie rotation:
The Red Wings believe Lyon made considerable gains when he was Detroit’s No. 1 for a good chunk of the season.
“Competition, compete, confidence, I think maybe even a little mental toughness, never getting minutes at this level, maybe going past the threshold for him.
Lyon had previously never played more than 15 games in an NHL season. His 44 appearances for Detroit was the most he made since playing the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the American Hockey League. Lalonde suggests that the Red Wings probably had to play him to much last season.
“You can almost read him because he lost a little of that swagger towards the end of the just being a little bit tired and then that opportunity to have (for Team USA at the) worlds, he had that look going again.”
Lyon had to leave the World Championships because of a hand injury.
“I think the biggest thing (last season) was confidence. Not only that, he believes he can play in this league. He belongs in this league, but he can win in this league, which he did of course.”
Continued; all Lyon can do is attempt to force the Red Wings management’s hand by playing well.
