WINGS PRESEASON POSTGAME: Defeated in Pittsburgh
By Cameron Kuom
4 years agoAfter a thrilling 3-2 overtime win back in Detroit, the Red Wings had the upper-hand on Pittsburgh earlier this week. But this time around, the Penguins had the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Jake Guentzel suiting up. The extra fire power they assembled help them cruise to a 4-2 win.
But at this point of the preseason, if it ever did matter, the wins and losses really don’t matter. After the Hockeyville USA game on Thursday, we’ll probably have seen the last of Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, and other regulars until opening night. And with such an early turnaround following the game in Pittsburgh, that explains why the lineup featured little upside.
Surprisingly, the Wings put up a good 60 minute fight. The powerplay struggled, going 0/4 on the night. Not a great look for Dan Bylsma, who was took over coaching duties for the game, as he will be in charge on the powerplay this season. They’ll need some work if they want to have a successful second unit this season.
Thoughts and Highlights
- I was surprised to see Jonathan Bernier start the whole game. Beforehand, I speculated we might see Filip Larsson take the cage at some point, to no avail. In fact, following the match-up, Pat Nagle was listed as the back-up, so I wonder if Larsson is still nursing an injury.
- Ryan Kuffner got the Wings on the board first. A fluky shot beat Matt Murray, but hey, we’ll take it!
- Kuffner has been impressive all training camp. In a Christoffer Ehn like surprise, Kuffner could crack the roster to start the season.
- Afterwards, Mike Green crashed the net and got rewarded. After gloving the puck out of mid-air he found himself a wide open net.
- Possibly something to monitor: Jacob De la Rose left the game with a lower body injury and did not return. An update on his status has yet to be released.
Gif of the Game
Waiting for opening night like…
Motor City MVP
Ryan Kuffner
No one in particular stood out, but Ryan Kuffner had a solid game all around and even potted in a goal. Games like this will only help Kuffner’s case on making the Red Wings. He has been sort’ve forgotten about by fans, and placed in Grand Rapids by default. But if he keeps playing the way he is, the coaching staff may have to consider him for a spot in the bottom-6.
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