Detroit hopes to continue their winning ways against the Islanders tonight at the Oven.
Quick and dirty for the last week or so:
Nov 24- HOME vs St. Louis (4-2 WIN)
Nov 27- HOME vs Buffalo (3-2 WIN OT)
Nov 30- AWAY vs Boston (2-1 WIN)
Dec 1 – HOME vs Seattle (4-3 WIN SO)
Lucas Raymond
Congrats to Lucas Raymond for being named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for November. In 14 games during the month, Raymond had 5 goals, 7 assists. Like the other rookies on the team, the contributions of Lucas Raymond have been invaluable. He continued his ways in December, having a goal called back in the first period and scoring the go ahead goal in the third period of the Seattle game.
Moritz Seider also won the NHL Rookie of the Month in October. When was the last time players from the same team won Rookie of the Month to start off the season? Ned for December! Broken record but still believe the Calder will go to a Red Wing this year; either Raymond, Seider, or Ned. Still haven’t seen anyone to change my mind.
Good Teams Close
The Wings had another lead in the third period against Seattle with Lucas Raymond, scoring six-ish minutes into the period. but were unable to close out the game in regulation. Luckily, Detroit still ended up getting the full 2 points, winning in the shootout.
Recurring theme, lead in the third and can’t close in regulation and/or lose. Games against Tampa, Columbus, Arizona, Buffalo, and Montreal. Now, with the Buffalo and Montreal games, the Wings were able to get the 2 points in OT, sure, but when you have divisional opponents, giving up that extra point could make a big difference down the line. Too much playing not to lose sitting back on defense vs playing to win keeping the foot on the gas on offense.
COVID Still Sucks…
Before the Seattle Kraken game on Wednesday. Tyler Bertuzzi was placed on COVID protocol. Coach Blashill did say on December 1st that Bertuzzi was “feeling fine” but will staying COVID protocol for 10 days, which cause him to miss 5 games, at minimum. (Seattle, NYI, Nashville, St. Louis, and Colorado) The Wings aren’t the same team with Tyler Bertuzzi not in the lineup. There are some solid teams on that list, definitely need him back, and most importantly, healthy. He remains the lone NHL player not vaccinated.
On a …nother note, Danny Dekeyser was removed from COVID protocols yesterday.
Calm and Rational Praise of the Detroit Goaltender (Ned)
Alex Nedeljkovic did have the day off against Seattle when I was at the game on Wednesday. (Yes, I cried a little but I was tough and powered through and saw Thomas Greiss get his 150th career win. )
How good as he been in his three starts in a row!? (St. Louis, Buffalo, Boston)
During the Boston game, Nedeljkovic matched his season high with 41 saves. Ned answered the bell when he was needed; solid positioning and didn’t give up many rebounds that gave Boston extra chances. The Bruins had 42 shots, dominating play for most of the game but as Morning Skate’s own Brownie @abrow28 wrote, they couldn’t solve Ned. Detroit’s 16 shots and 2 goals were enough, thanks largely to play of the Detroit goaltender. 3000th Franchise win for Detroit.
Also looks like Ned will get the start tonight, let’s go!
So, who wears it better?
NED! 
ME!
The Morning Skate 