MLive’s Ansar Khan posted an article noting that Vladimir Tarasenko is making his Red Wings game debut tonight:
Tarasenko makes his Red Wings preseason debut tonight against Chicago at Little Caesars Arena (7 p.m., no TV, livestreamed on detroitredwings.com).
He’ll be skating on a line centered by J.T. Compher, with Jonatan Berggren on the left wing. Patrick Kane might ordinarily be in Berggren’s spot, but Berggren is getting a look with more skilled players.
Kane has played against Tarasenko for many years.
“He’s a great shooter and he’s similar to (Alex) DeBrincat in the way he’s able to find open areas and get his shot off quickly,” Kane said. “So, hopefully if I’m controlling the puck I can find him in certain areas where he can have a good chance to score. I think we know each other from our time in New York as well, so pretty familiar with personality and the way he wants to play. We’re both right wingers, so it’ll be a little bit different to see who’s going to move over to the left or what we’re going to do in that respect. But playing with J.T. and Vlad, there’s a lot of potential there and could really be a good second scoring line.”
…
Coach Derek Lalonde said Tarasenko’s game has evolved.
“He was an offensive-only type guy, maybe leaned a little bit for the offense, and I think he’s seen winning a little bit,” Lalonde said. “Watching him in Florida last year, he’s F-3 (third forward high), he’s above the puck. Hopefully, he can bring some of that to us because that’s an area we need to grow as a group.”
