The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan filed a notebook article in which he discusses Albert Johansson’s attempt to earn a more regular spot on the Wings’ defense while Simon Edvinsson is sidelined with an upper-body injury:
“I’ve liked Albert his last couple games out,” Lalonde said. “He had a stretch of games there where some things were finding him. That was a tough West Coast trip for him, but his bounce back from that was good. I’m fully confident he’ll have some more consistency in the game. The things we saw in camp, the things we saw from last year (in Grand Rapids), his ability to move a puck, just confidence and some assertiveness in his game and some consistency with it.”
This has been a different kind of experience for Johansson, who has always been a regular in whatever lineup he’s been in. But such is the life of most rookies in the NHL who must learn and develop what it takes to be successful.
Johansson is adapting to his role the best he can.
“You want to play every game and be out there,” Johansson said. “I just try to stay positive. First year, I kind of knew before (the season began) I was going to be a little bit in and out (of the lineup), and it’s a learning experience. When I’m not playing, I’m just trying to work extra on the ice and in the gym and stay positive and be ready when I’m in the lineup.”
Johansson agrees, with Edvinsson unavailable, it’s an opportunity for the other defensemen to get quality minutes. When Johansson is in the lineup, it’s up to him to play to his own strengths.
“He (Edvinsson) has been playing real good and big minutes out there, so it’s an opportunity for all of the other guys to step up and fill that role,” Johansson said. “(I have to) be aggressive out there, move my feet and try to be physical. I know I’m not the biggest guy but stay close to my opponents and shut down plays early. That’s the biggest key for me.”
Continued (paywall)