Preseason Game 1 Observations

This didn’t post for some reason so commenting.


It could not have gone better for the Red Wings special teams, they were shorthanded 9 times and were an unprecedented 100% on the penalty kill and scored a short handed goal on a miscue by PIT goalie Casey DeSmith for what was Kubalik’s 2nd special teams goal of the game. Kubalik’s 1st goal came on the Wings’ first power play of the game and Kampf’s power play goal later made DET 2 for 2 on the night on the power play.

In goal, Brattstrom started the game was tested throughout the first half of the game (each goalie played a half), and was the beneficiary of about 3-4 shots that dinged off the post. He did make a spectacular save early on moving laterally from one end of the crease to the other that saved a goal and was 19/20 on the night.

Cossa on the other hand, wasn’t really tested much (12/13) so, I couldnt really get a good feel for him, but it did appear the team laid their bodies out in front of him to block a lot of shots for the 19 year old netminder. He was welcomed to the league by Bryan Rust on a slick backhander that went over the ducking left shoulder of Cossa on the first shot he faced. I can say that Cossa didn’t look out of place and I’m looking forward to seeing him get some more action in the preseason.

Elmer Soderblom didn’t really make any spectacular plays but he’s so massive that menial plays look impressive from him. He has a long stick and boy, it’s almost unfair what kind of reach his has with his length and stick. His skating is absolutely a weakness. His straight line skating is impressive but his lateral movements and overall skating without the puck is pretty rough. He did score a goal on a tap in from a nifty pass through the crease from Berggren.

Speaking of Jonatan, outside of his assist to Elmer (which was very nice), he didn’t do much that jumped off the page. He reminds me of almost a clone of Zadina offensively which may or may not be a good thing. Looking at the box score, he did register a shot but I don’t remember it being a very impressive one.

Zadina was pretty active in the game and scored a nice goal from the slot that started a flurry of goals in the 2nd period. He played in every situation and handled himself quite well. I wasn’t happy about an early opportunity (which he half created for himself on the forecheck) when a loose puck found his stick for a golden opportunity and a classic Zadina shot hit Tristan Jarry in his chest. Good game overall tho.

I was surprised to see Kubalik on the penalty kill since he’s generally been spoken about as a one dimensional offensive guy but he was solid and had the aforementioned SH goal. The power play goal he scored was a very impressive rocket of a shot. A literal heat seeking missle that struck top corner to tie the game. He is all but going to get heavy volume on the first PP unit with a shot like that.

Quickly touching on a couple guys, Cross Hanas was a nonfactor, Tyler Spezia had good energy and didn’t miss his lone scoring opportunity, I’d like to see him in GR; and on another positive note, Michael Rasmussen looked like he did at the end of the year last year netting two assists.

As far as the defense goes, Maata & Hronek carried the defense and more than likely that will be Detroit’s second pairing in the regular season.

I can say confidently that 5/6 defense spot is certainly up for grabs. Oesterle isn’t a lock for the bottom pairing by any means and could very well not even make the final roster.

Jared McIsaac stood out to me and looked every bit an NHL defenseman. He was poised, showed good decision making ability, didn’t back down in his matchups against Crosby and even jumped in the play offensively at the right times. I know it’s just one game but, it wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up making the roster.

Viro flashed some ability but I don’t see him as serious competition for a spot as he will likely be a very good defenseman in GR.

I would imagine most people won’t read all this, lol - but I figured since it was difficult to catch the game I’d share some thoughts/observations with y’all.

Thanks for the update. Wish the game was televised on Youtube.

Yeah, I watched it on the wings website. It was the arena camera stream.

I read this, very good summary.

My man