The Red Wings fell 5-1 to Montreal, and everyone is shouldering the blame right now. John Gibson only faced 13 shots, however the team is collectively penitent. Coach Todd McLellan has asked the players, “are you tired of this yet?”
The lapses in defensive play, and truthfully all play , are being described as major. Montreal’s strengths were well known, but unfortunately not addressed at game time. The team known it wants to, and quite frankly needs to be better.
Cam Talbot will get the start
While Gibson was not solely at fault, Cam Talbot will get the nod against Toronto. Talbot came in relief in game one, and looked steady in net. The Red Wings have been desperate for consistency in net for far too long.
Talbot became Detroit’s go to goalie last season, posting a .901 save percentage and 2.91 goals against in 47 games. The Red Wings penalty kill was awful, and a league worst 79.6%. That stat was enough to derail a 27% power play, standing at fourth best in the NHL.
James Van Riemsdyk is almost ready
The Red Wings will soon get a needed, and long overdue look at James Van Riemsdyk. The former second overall pick missed training camp, however seems to be up to speed now. Coach McLellan stated that JVR will play either Saturday or Monday, which could be good news for Detroit.
There is hope that JVR will help with offense, thus getting a look on the top line. Rookie Emmitt Finnie has been skating there, but may see some other assignments soon. The Red Wings need to get the lines all going, but don’t have a lot of time to do it. The opening six games could push the team backward, and quickly if they’re not careful.
“Hamonic wearing 52 is destroying Jonathan Ericsson’s legacy.” I agree.
I have no words…but i did chuckle a little
Ask Y: “How is signing other teams’ defensive cast-offs going to help the Wings defense to be better?”
This is the root of the problem and has been done at least 2 years in a row, so it is not a new problem and is also the MAIN problem of this team. Gibson may be another failed get, but it is too early to judge that……but I thought of this trade as getting just a more expensive Mrazek. I digress, but Y needs another top 4 D-man to get Chiarot off the top pairing and Hamonic in GR with Holl and Gus.
Absolutely want another top 4 D. Thankfully all 3 guys on expiring deals. They were “rumored” to be in on 3 or 4 D men but lost out on Dobson, Miller, and Hague. Still rumored to be interested in Karlsson as of a week ago but, well, rumors. Really wishing Buium hadn’t gotten hurt to get a better look.
Mo, Ed and ASP are young and talented, no doubt.
Al J was not good last time but with someone he doesn’t know at all. Do we have to shuffle the D lines or keep one or two strong ones and a bad one that takes all the goals against ? Hopefully, Talbot and the new D will help the rest of the team. No one can play properly if they feel that behind, there is a problem (Gibson and some of the D for the last game).
The F are talented but need to forget the doubt and play without fear !
This was a rough outing. To be honest, the reaction has been kind of through the roof for 1 game. The team is very much in flux, and this condensed schedule is horrific. Pretty much a game every other day up until the Olympics. The D pairings have to get to know each other, and all but the Kasper line of forwards are in flux. Lots of moving parts, hoping they have a better outing today.
“Well, brutal start, shiny new goalie gets yanked, but at least Larkin is on pace for 82 goals.”