Red and White scrimmage took place today in Traverse City. And getting to see the guys on the ice, being introduced to the new pickups and prospects was awesome.
Ending in a shootout! I think they just made up this game format as they went along, but it doesn’t matter, this is fun!
Now yes, this is a Red/White scrimmage so it’s not going to be full real-game intensity but the action is good.
All the thoughts and feelings watching this but here are three-ish
Tyler Bertuzzi
Looks like he’s back to playing his game. Skilled and scrappy. The Wings will need him to make plays, score goals and mix it up. Still waiting to see if he’s back to 100%.
I am concerned about him being the only player not vaccinated. Regardless of how you feel on the topic, the fact is, as of right now, he will be missing games across the border, including divisional opponents Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. Those could be big points, will need all hands on deck.
Moritz Seider
That hype video, Waiting In the Wings, for Seider has somehow made me want to see him in the NHL in a Wings uniform more. He did spend some time in GR in 2019 and was in Sweden last year, where we got see his goals and hits posted on social media. Obviously you’re not going to see him lay someone out in the open ice in the Red/White game… but he’s going to be fun to watch.
Goaltending
Thomas Greiss looked sharp. Flashing the leather with a solid glove save and denying a penalty shot. For the most part, Greiss had a decent season last year; 2.90 GAA, .912 Save Percentage. The issue was team scoring, get this man some support! The idea of a two goalie tandem with Nedeljkovic is something that brings warm feelings.
Alex Nedeljkovic. I’m beyond excited that the Wings picked him up. Anytime you get to see a player that has put on a sweater for any of the teams in Michigan come back to play for the Red Wings, it has to get you psyched. Ned started his career in the OHL with the Plymouth Whalers then later the Flint Firebirds before being drafted by Carolina. Also looked great last year; 1.90 GAA, 9.32 Save Percentage.
Would have liked to have seen more offense but solid goaltending… hopefully that’s not a recurring theme.
Mitchell Stephens, newly acquired from Tampa Bay, had 2 goals in the scrimmage. He’s another one those players that started his career playing for a Michigan based team; Saginaw Spirit in the OHL.
First preseason game is Wednesday against Chicago. Let’s go!
(From Detroit Red Wings)
The Morning Skate 