Red Wings Message to Rookie: Be Better

Yesterday, Hockey Hot Stove speculated that Red Wings rookie MBN was having trouble grasping what’s asked of him. Apparently, Steve Yzerman thought so as well.  Brandsegg-Nygard was sent to the AHL, incidentally right before a five game road trip begins. The Red Wings have not, as of yet, announced a corresponding call up from Grand Rapids. 

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard had an impressive pre season, however the first nine games have been tough sledding. MBN’s struggles have grown recently, accordingly his minutes were slashed in the team’s last outing.  The move to waive the rookie winger came, evidently, late this morning after the team practice. 

Does Yzerman have something planned?

This move is interesting for another reason, as Patrick Kane isn’t traveling with the team right now. That being the case, it seems odd that Carter Mazur or Nate Danielson haven’t been called up. However, there is still time to announce a corresponding move before the team’s rematch against St. Louis. 

Carter Mazur, in particular, has had a strong start in Grand Rapids. Mazur opened the season with a hat trick, and currently has six points (4g 2a) in five games. Only John Leonard has more points, with an impressive five goals and two assists in just four games played. Either player could be on Yzerman’s radar, as the GM was in attendance at the last game. 

The Red Wings have to establish a road identity

Detroit’s next five games are important, if not critical to the team’s continued early success. The Red Wings are struggling greatly with starts, in particular when they’re not on home ice. The three road games have all been rough, however the goalie was able to steal a win in Toronto early on.  

Slow starts are not going to cut it on this trip, and could do a lot of damage to the team’s record if not addressed.  Detroit will play five games in eight days, wherein a downward spiral could take its toll on the team. Even without MBN in the lineup, the young players continue to drive this team. This trip will test everyone, especially the young stars who represent the club’s future.