The Detroit Red Wings had momentum from their last win. However, it didn’t translate into a strong start. The Toronto Maple Leafs were ready for a rematch, and Detroit was caught off guard. The Wings were outshot nearly three to one, but Cam Talbot secured a win for his team.
Cam Talbot ended up stopping 38 of 40 shots, thereby securing a .950 save percentage. Detroit only managed 15 shots, but the team scored three goals. That,indeed, was more than enough for the Wings to win.
A strong Red Wings start for a tough schedule
Detroit’s early schedule is tough, and the team needs to earn some points. Each of six games features teams that made the post season, including the cup champions. The team has had a good start, and can build on that going forward.
The emergence of Cam Talbot is a welcome, and very much needed surprise. However, the Florida teams are coming up next and that will be a handful. Four of the six past Stanley Cups reside with those two teams, and in the Atlantic Division.
Lucas Raymond is injured
Lucas Raymond did not finish the game, and that could be cause for concern. Raymond has already earned three points (2G, 1A) in three games for Detroit. A lengthy absence could be rough, as well as costly for the Red Wings.
Raymond was Detroit’s most consistent scorer last year, with 80 points in 82 games. That kind of production won’t be easily replaced, but is sorely needed. Depending on the severity, this could be an opportunity for Nate Danielson or Carter Mazur. Both saw their preseason end in injury, and both are anxious to be in Detroit. The team should know more tomorrow, and updates will dictate any transactions. The largest hurdle may be seeing Larkin’s most consistent linemate sidelined.
Raymond out for some time, a bad news (will he come back the same ? Even if it is miles away, look at Gus…) for the team.
Let’s be optimistic and think maybe that will get the other ones stronger, playing more minutes… but Larkin is going to be lost on his line. Appleton ? JVR ? I wasn’t thinking about GR players coming in, but it is right, it could be an answer. JT Compher is not the same as he was and cannot replace the loss, but Danielson, Mazur or Lombardi could (a little bit at least).
AlJ and JBD seem to play properly together, that’s good news.
Talbot stole this game… but the fact they didn’t fold and held the lead says something about this team gutting it out and getting the win. My big concern is Raymond’s injury. Have to pray it’s not serious. Huge hole to fill on that top line if he misses more than a few games. I’d like to see Lombardi or Mazur get a call-up and see what they can do if Raymond has to miss some games. The way it’s looking Talbot has locked down the starting job in goal. It’s his to lose.
They need to quit putting Rasmussen at center because he’s terribly ineffective at that position. He simply can’t get back fast enough to his own end which is causing odd-man rushes against the Wings. At a minimum put him on the wing where he might get a few points if we have to keep him. They really do need to trade him at this point if they can.
Bernard-Docker is looking like a really good pick-up by Yzerman. Looks really comfortable on the 2nd pairing with Johansson. He’s also young at 25 years old. Big improvement over Hamonic who probably shouldn’t even be on the third pairing. We won’t be seeing him on the 2nd pairing anymore i’m sure… I think he lost the job.
Hey Vlady!!! Talbot definitely looked strong. Only 3 games in, but definitely been solid. Raymond, no clue. Hoping to get some solid info soon. Would be a big loss
i think JBD and Johansson were doing well, but i really feel like they are the 3rd pairing (played just over 12 min) with Eddy and ASP clocking in over 20 min. The team really struggled, outshot 40-15. They have to put together a way stronger game for FLA/TBL/EDM coming up. Raymond may not be too serious, so i don’t know if anyone will get called up at this point. Awesome to see you!