The Free Press’s Helene St. James posted a game-day article ahead of tonight’s Home Opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins (8 PM EDT on Bally Sports Detroit/Sportsnet Pittsburgh/WWJ 950) which discusses the Red Wings’ three-goaltender system, which has Ville Husso as the tip of the spear tonight:
“I’m feeling better than ever, I would say,” Husso said. “Everything — I feel good on the ice, feel good off the ice, body feels good. Just everything feels good right now. It’s fun to play again.”
Lyon, 31, was part of a triumvirate last season that also included James Reimer. Lyon, at that time a career minor leaguer, entered 2023-24 as a distant No. 3 on the depth chart, but when Husso’s paternity leave segued into an injury, and Reimer struggled, Lyon rose to the top of the depth chart — and thrived. He knows he has to always be ready.
“I’m very familiar with the situation,” Lyon said. “I have some experience to draw on and know to be ready when the opportunity arises. I plan to take full advantage. That’s my mindset.”
Talbot, 37, was brought in during the summer as insurance because there was lingering concern about Husso’s long-term health. He’s a journeyman NHL’er with nearly 500 games to his credit, and understood the situation when he signed.
“If a guy is getting hot, you have to do what is best for the team,” Talbot said. “Whenever that situation arises, you just have to be OK with it, be a good teammate, work hard in practice and be ready when the next opportunity comes along.
“Three goalies definitely can be a strength. It’s a long season. Guys have nagging injuries sometimes that they play through, but in situations like this, maybe you take that extra day or two and heal up to get to 100%. You know the other two guys have been there before and can provide the stability in net, and the team can have confidence in all three of them, which is the best part.”