Red Wings outlast late surge by Flames

Good morning, Jeremy!

Good write-up.

Finally got back from a work trip last night, watched a bit of the EDM game, wasn’t impressed. Seemed disjointed. That’s in stark comparison to the previous 3 games where everything seemed to be clicking. The common thread? Seems to be Hamonic.

Here’s the thing; I’ve always been a huge fan of TH, heavy hitter, great clogger of passing lanes, tough on the boards. But he’s never been a strong skater; he got by on his ability to anticipate where play was headed. The game’s pace has outgrown his anticipatory ability. He’s slow. But when he gets into a play, he can be effective – just not always. He’s physical, which watching the game last night, we seem to be lacking.

I recorded the 2 games missed while traveling, will watch them soonest. I’ll say this: ASP is starting to click, and I really like what I see. Still think we should be in on Hughes, but not at the cost of ASP. What I’ve read & heard (Eliot Friedman), a solid C may be the prime focus of a return for Hughes…..Kasper? Danielson? Kasper’s struggling, but his game is still solid. Danielson’s taking a bit longer to put up points, but man can that kid move (see Eddy’s EDM goal last night, Danielson was amazing…). The question becomes, IF we pull the trigger on either, or both; who do we bring up that has the same skill-set?

Looks like all of the supposition over Hughes is…..over. VAN fared very well in their return, so if that’s what we were asked for, I MAY understand why The Captain didn’t pull the trigger. Looks like it would’ve been Danielson, ASP, +. Waaay too big of an ask.

I think the big issue for Hughes was the fact that, on the sueface, he would only be with us for 1.5yrs. I’m sure that if The Captain was to agree to the haul going back (ASP, MBN, et. al…), there would beed to be an extension in place and signed upon filing the trade with the league. Regardless, I’m ok that we didn’t pull the trigger for 1.5yrs. Kid’s gonna make bank on his next contract (I’d say $17m +….).

Team’s finally playing well. Some stumbles last night vs NYI, but play really was heavily slanted to our being on the attack. Leinard looked good and I’m wondering, with Bear-Grin gone, does JL stay up? I mean, dude laid some hits, was defensively responsible, and passed well. Needs a bit of time to adjust to being back in the Bigs, but he may be a keeper.

Losing Bear-Grin: I was/am a fan of the kid. Great personality which feeds overall atmosphere in the ‘room’. He just couldn’t fet his play to a level of viability. I think he’d imprived this year over last, but I’m sensing we’re going to see more ‘kids’ taking over this team. If I were The Captain, though, I’d being tendering a contract to Kane; his leadership and how he handles the puck, his demeanor on the ice….he needs to be here another year.

Hope you’re well, Jeremy!!!