Among the Hockey News’s Sam Stockton’s notes comes this quip from coach Derek Lalonde regarding the scrappy-in-general Predators…
“They’re north, they’re fast, they have an ability to spread the puck out with speed through the puck,” said Lalonde of [Predators coach Andrew] Brunette’s team. “They play long, and I think they rely on one of the best goaltenders in the world [Juuse Saros]. I wouldn’t say they take it for granted, but I think they know that puck’s not going in. It might be coming out [with Saros’ aptitude for puck-handling], and it might even fuel their north play.
For the Red Wings, the priority entering the evening is to finish what they started and lost Thursday against the Penguins. “The whole first period was exactly what we wanted, obviously besides getting scored on,” said Michael Rasmussen of that defeat. “There wasn’t anything in particular. I think we just got deflated a couple of breakdowns and didn’t respond properly.” To correct, per Rasmussen, the solution is simple: “Play a full 60 minutes and don’t beat ourselves. I think if we do those things, we’ll be good.”
Stockton also spoke with Albert Johansson about his NHL debut…
On Wednesday, Albert Johansson was focused on staying patient, trusting that his time would come. “I’m here right now, and I’m working every day, trying to be in the top six and play games, but I know all defensemen are good in here,” he told The Hockey News. It’s gonna be a challenge every day, but [I’m focused on] coming in here, working hard during practice, trying to get better every day, trying to get into the top six.”
Four days later, his family is on its way to Detroit from Sweden, and he is getting ready to make his NHL debut tonight. “It’s gonna be a dream-come-true moment,” Johansson said this morning. “I just want to play a simple game, move [the puck], and be solid defensively. That’s the biggest key for me, so just trying to keep it simple.”
Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff also filed a game-day notebook which includes coach Lalonde explaining why the Wings recalled Justin Holl…and why they’re sitting Erik Gustafsson:
“I told him I do expect him up soon and helping us out and be ready,” Lalonde said of Holl. “I didn’t expect it in Game 2, but here he is.”
Gustafsson’s Red Wings debut was not one he’ll remmeber fondly. He was beaten badly on one Pittsburgh goal and wound up minus-two. Gustafsson finished with a Corsi of 38.8%, the worst of any Detroit defender.
“It wasn’t a great game for him the other night,” Lalonde said. “I think he would probably self admit that.”
It may be a short-term formula. Petry was skating on Saturday morning.
“There’s no doubt I do come in here and lie to you guys sometimes (about players) in the day-to-day (category),” Lalonde admitted. “He is. No, really. He’s a true day-to-day. It’s a good sign. Hopefully have him Monday (at the New York Rangers). If not, pretty confident he’ll be around for us this following game.”
