Among the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan’s Tuesday notes is this story about Lucas Raymond’s slow start in terms of goal-scoring, and his recent success at igniting his shooting game:
Through the first quarter of this season, Raymond was arguably the Wings’ best all-around forward. He was doing everything he could to keep the Wings afloat in the standings, leading the team in assists and playing in every situation.
But the goal-scoring, frustratingly, wasn’t there. After scoring 31 goals last season including so many important ones during the Wings’ frantic late-season playoff push, most people expected that torrid pace to carry over. Instead, Raymond scored two goals in his first 18 games. Not what was expected, to be sure.
Until scoring a goal in each of the last three games, including Monday’s game-winner on Long Island, in the Wings’ 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders. Goals in each of the last three games? That’s more like it.
“I mean, I think everyone wants to score goals, right?” Raymond said. “I’m no different.”
Coach Derek Lalonde, whenever asked about Raymond, would stress the versatility in Raymond’s game and the fact he was, and is, contributing offensively (Raymond leads the team with 15 assists and 20 points). But goal scorers like Raymond enjoy putting the puck in the net.
“He’s playing at a high level,” Lalonde said. “He’s sitting at a point a game, but it’s different for goal scorers when it hits the back of the net.”
Continued (paywall)
