Duff’s notebook: and the band plays on

The Detroit Red Wings are still going to play the New Jersey Devils tonight (8 PM EST start on Bally Sports Detroit/MSG+/97.1 FM) despite the Wings adding coach Jeff Blashill, assistant coach Alex Tanguay, goalie Alex Nedeljkovic and forwards Givani Smith and Carter Rowney to a COVID protocol list that already includes Robby Fabbri and Michael Rasmussen.

Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff spoke with Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman regarding the Wings’ situation, which includes calling up Grand Rapids Griffins coach Ben Simon, assistant coach Todd Krygier, goaltender Calvin Pickard and forward Riley Barber, to join Kyle Criscuolo and Taro Hirose:

Despite the absence of five players and two of the club’s three bench coaches, Saturday’s game against the New Jersey Devils at Little Caesars Arena is going ahead as planned.

“Other teams have gone through this earlier than us the last 2-3 weeks,” Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said of his team playing a game minus five players and their head coach. “We just keep adding players. As long as we have bodies, players that we can recall, we’ll ice the best team we can and go from there.”

Grand Rapids head coach Ben Simon and assistant coach Todd Krygier are coming up to work the bench along with Red Wings assistant coach Doug Houda.

According to Yzerman, Simon will be running the bench for tonight’s game.

“It’s my understanding that Ben was going to be the acting head coach and Doug would remain in his role running the D,” Yzerman said. “It is a fluid situation, so that may have changed from my last conversation with Jeff Blashill.”

Continued

Red Wings-Devils morning skate Tweets II: More Yzerman presser Tweets; Devils without Blackwood (neck), Subban (COVID)

The Red Wings will host the New Jersey Devils this evening (8 PM EST start on Bally Sports Detroit/MSG+/97.1 FM) without coach Jeff Blashill, assistant coach Alex Tanguay, goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic and forwards Robby Fabbri, Michael Rasmussen, Carter Rowney and Givani Smith.

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s press conference with the media superseded the morning skate in terms of personnel-watching importance for Detroit’s media, but, well, this quip from Yzerman, who will employ assistant coach Doug Houda and Grand Rapids Griffins coach Ben Simon and assistant Todd Krygier tonight…seems ironic:

When asked if he has an option to talk to the league about postponing the game, Yzerman says he could call and give his opinion— but they’re ultimately going to make a decision on their own to protect the safety of the players and society. #LGRW— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 18, 2021

*Makes uncomfortable noises*

Steve Yzerman thinks the league is being consistent *this season* with shutting teams down.

“We’re not there yet,” he said. Last season, when the Red Wings went winless with guys out with COVID? “I didn’t think there was any consistency.”— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021

Steve Yzerman says Nedeljkovic’s positive came in today, hence the only one goalie at morning skate. Sounds like the others came in yesterday.— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) December 18, 2021

Steve Yzerman said he originally thought Lucas Raymond would need some time in the AHL. Added that he has gotten better every day since prospects tournament. Raymond through 30 NHL games has to be a pleasant surprise even for him. #LGRW— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) December 18, 2021

“The coaches don’t listen to me anyways,” Steve Yzerman said. ?

“I expect these guys to ignore me like Jeff would if he were here.”— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021

When asked about the coach changes for tonight, Steve Yzerman laughs and says “the coaches don’t listen to me after puck drop anyway, so I don’t expect anything to change.” ? #LGRW @DetroitRedWings— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 18, 2021

Yzerman said his understanding is Ben Simon will be Red Wings acting head coach tonight, Doug Houda would remain in his role running Detroit’s D, but adds it is a fluid situation.— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) December 18, 2021

I asked Yzerman about his team and their mentally going through all this for another hockey season. He said they all have been very positive. @Local4News pic.twitter.com/Yno9biR6Ol— Jamie Edmonds (@Jamie_Edmonds) December 18, 2021

Yzerman says he’s “fine with whatever everyone decides to do” RE: the Olympics. He’s a big supporter of NHLers at the Olympics, thinks it’s great for the game and league. But under circumstances says he understands league’s apprehension and player concerns over quarantines— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) December 18, 2021

Anyway, the Devils took to the ice for their morning skate at 11:30, and NewJerseyDevils.com’s Amanda Stein reported a problem:

Continue reading Red Wings-Devils morning skate Tweets II: More Yzerman presser Tweets; Devils without Blackwood (neck), Subban (COVID) →

Tweets of note: Yzerman’s presser

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman spoke with the media from Little Caesars Arena on the heels of the announcement that coach Jeff Blashill, assistant coach Alex Tanguay, goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic and forwards Carter Rowney and Givani Smith have all been placed in COVID protocols (joining Robby Fabbri and Michael Rasmussen):

Steve Yzerman said the Red Wings COVID cases have been nothing more than minimal symptoms.

“We just keep recalling players. Other teams have gone through this before us,” he said. pic.twitter.com/bRM7tkdyxE— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021

Steve Yzerman said it is important to note that at this point no one around the league is experiencing major symptoms. Most have slight cold like symptoms. #LGRW— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) December 18, 2021

Yzerman on plans moving forward while Covid is affecting the team, “Well, we keep recalling players. Other teams have been going through it before us.” He said what’s important to note is that the players and coaches feel okay. #LGRW— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 18, 2021

The Red Wings are encouraging all players and coaches to get a booster shot, Steve Yzerman said.— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021

Yzerman on Coach Blashill being out, “This is interesting. The head coach is obviously with the team every day. Knows the players inside and out. Knows the lines, adjustments, combinations… but it shouldn’t be too bad of a transition (with Ben Simon behind the bench).” #LGRW— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 18, 2021

The Red Wings will be without Jeff Blashill, who is in COVID protocol.

“This is interesting,” Steve Yzerman said with a bit of a laugh. He said Blashill may be on the phone or an earpiece. “I think we’ll get through it fine.”— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021

He said maybe Coach Simon and Coach Blashill will have communication throughout the game, but says “it’ll be fine.” https://t.co/3RMIOEgIJG— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 18, 2021

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman didn’t know exact numbers but multiple players have had COVID-19 booster shot and team is encouraging everybody in organization to get it.— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) December 18, 2021

Yzerman says it’s his understanding that Ben Simon will be the acting head coach and Doug Houda will remain in his position, but it’s a fluid situation. #LGRW @DetroitRedWings— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 18, 2021

Steve Yzerman said he thinks Ben Simon will be the Red Wings acting head coach tonight. Wasn’t certain if it’s Simon or Doug Houda though— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021

Yzerman said it was his understanding that Ben Simon would be the acting head coach tonight. Said he still needs to confirm that after his media availability. #LGRW— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) December 18, 2021

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman “I”m a big supporter of our our players playing” in Olympics but said he understands apprehension under pandemic circumstances.— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) December 18, 2021

“Nobody wants anyone to get violently ill,” Steve Yzerman said. “My perception is (our team) will do anything to get through this.”— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 18, 2021

Press release: Griffins discuss recalls of coach Simon, coach Krygier

From the Grand Rapids Griffins:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings on Saturday announced that Grand Rapids Griffins head coach Ben Simon and assistant coach Todd Krygier will serve as coaches alongside Red Wings assistant Doug Houda for Detroit’s home game against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, Dec. 18.

Continue reading Press release: Griffins discuss recalls of coach Simon, coach Krygier →

NHL, NHLPA adapt ‘enhanced protocols’ through January 7th

FYI:

The @NHL and @NHLPA announced today the immediate adoption of enhanced COVID-19 measures.

These enhanced measures will remain in effect through the Holiday season and the New Year, and will be re-evaluated no later than Jan. 7, 2022.

Full text: https://t.co/kcjziKo2nJ pic.twitter.com/ZOebBUm1zL— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 18, 2021

Red Wings-Devils morning skate Tweets: COVID hits Wings’ coaching staff, Ned, Smith, Rowney

The Detroit Red Wings host the winless-in-four New Jersey Devils tonight at Little Caesars Arena (8 PM EST start on Bally Sports Detroit/MSG+/97.1 FM).

Tonight’s back half of the first basketball-and-hockey doubleheader at LCA will most likely involve unpredictable ice conditions and a tricky opponent as the 10-13-and-5 Devils look to gain traction at the expense of the 14-13-and-3 Red Wings.

Today, approximately 70 people will help turn @LCArena_Detroit from a basketball court into a hockey rink.

Learn more about the process and how long they’ve been planning for this special day.#Pistons | #LGRW pic.twitter.com/VJns8jGwAc— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) December 18, 2021

If you’re looking for reading material, NewJerseyDevils.com’s Catherine Bogart and Sam Kasan posted a superb game preview which includes NHL.com’s 45 pages’ worth of game notes.

Here’s an FYI if you brave the intermittent snow showers to head down to the rink:

We’ve got a busy day at @LCArena_Detroit!

With the @DetroitPistons playing at 12PM, and the @DetroitRedWings playing at 8PM, we *strongly* encourage fans to pre-purchase parking and arrive early, as high traffic volumes are expected. Reserve a spot now: https://t.co/OVVZzvzGSJ pic.twitter.com/2NtX0ArfmF— Little Caesars Arena (@LCArena_Detroit) December 18, 2021

Right before the morning skate, well, things got ludicrous:

UPDATE: The #RedWings have placed Givani Smith, Carter Rowney, Alex Nedeljkovic, head coach Jeff Blashill and assistant coach Alex Tanguay in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 18, 2021

#RedWings assistant coach Doug Houda will be joined behind the bench tonight by Griffins head coach Ben Simon and assistant coach Todd Krygier.— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 18, 2021

So, with the head coach and assistant coach in COVID protocol, the starting goaltender and two of the fourth line’s key players in COVID protocol, the NHL decided that we’d keep on keepin’ on.

Red Wings are on the ice for their morning skate. Only goaltender for them is Tomas Greiss.

Shooter Tutor at the other end. pic.twitter.com/igtL1Mo7h8— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) December 18, 2021

It’s safe to assume that Calvin Pickard will be recalled as the Griffins aren’t playing this weekend due to the Toronto Marlies being in COVID protocols themselves.

Continue reading Red Wings-Devils morning skate Tweets: COVID hits Wings’ coaching staff, Ned, Smith, Rowney →

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