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WINGS PRESEASON POSTGAME: Eventful day in Calumet capped off with a win

Photo credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

By Cameron Kuom

Sep 27, 2019, 09:26 EDT

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This match-up between the Red Wings and defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues has been highly anticipated for awhile. Played in the Upper Peninsula, the City of Calumet, MI, got the unique experience of hosting an NHL game, after being named Hockeyville USA. Even more important is that the venue, Calumet Coliseum, saw some extensive renovations to keep the 106 year old barn running for a long time.

Greeted by a red carpet with hundreds of fans, many of whom were seeing NHL players for the first time ever, paved the way for a memorable night for both the Red Wings and Blues.

Detroit played an excellent game and came away with a 4-1 victory. They saw key performances from Anthony Mantha, Dennis Cholowski, and Michael Rasmussen.

Thoughts and Highlights

Like he has been all preseason, Mantha was buzzing right from the start. This tie facing an NHL regular in Jordan Binnington, Mantha had a tougher challenge, but still managed to pot two goals. He could have very easily had 4 or 5, though.
Goal number one from Mantha:

Goal number two:

But Mo wasn’t the only big man to find the back of the net twice. Rasmussen found the scoreboard to two separate occasions, both of which, to no ones surprise, came right from the goal mouth.

Cholowski was quite noticeable all night. He picked up two primary assists and was continuously set up his teammates for scoring opportunities. He is starting to separate himself from the rest of the pack.

Gif of the Game

Hey St. Louis…PLAY GLORIA!

Motor City MVP

Dennis Cholowski

While I could have gone with one of Mantha or Rasmussen, Cholowski was noticeable right from opening puck drop. He has proven to be a lethal powerplay quarterback, thanks to his high-end skating mechanics. But we are starting to see more out of him at even strength, which was one of his weaknesses that ultimately got him sent down last year.

I’m here to say: If Cholowski does not make the opening night lineup, someone has made a huge mistake. He has banged down the door once again. At this point, he has beaten out Oliwer Kaski and Madison Bowey, and will only continue to rise up the depth chart.