It’s been quite a week for the Red Wings, getting caught up before tonight’s game in Chicago.
Bertuzzi and Vrana Out.
A week in and the Wings are without two major pieces coming into tonight’s game against Chicago.
After blocking a shot in the game against New Jersey, Tyler Bertuzzi will be out for 4-6 weeks. They are calling it an upper body injury. It looked like he took a shot off his right hand or lower arm. Either way, huge loss for Detroit’s offense. Bertuzzi was second on the team last year in points, with 62, behind Dylan Larkin with 69 (nice.) Yes, also second in goals behind Larkin, but I needed the excuse. Bertuzzi is a spiritual leader for this team, as it was stated in games last year that he missed due to issues crossing the border, it’s a different team without him.
On the 19th, Jakub Vrana was placed in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and will be out indefinitely. A public statement was put out by the team with no further comment.
A bit of background of what that is, what it means. The Player Assistance program was created in 1996, as a way for players and their families to get aid for dealing with issues ranging from “mental health, substance abuse and other issues.” The reason any player joins the program is left confidential.
He was one of the players I was excited to see if he stayed healthy. For whatever reason he’s out, and for how long, I hope he’s back soon and when he’s ready.
As of yet, there haven’t been any call ups from GR to fill the roster spots. So, with Robbi Fabbri skating but still a way away from returning, who’s going to step up? Offense has been pretty spread out so far this season. David Perron has been a standout, 3 goals in 3 games. His 4 points, match Dylan Larkin, Oskar Sunqvist, and Olli Maatta as team leaders. The new acquisitions have been stellar.
Points in every game so far, 5 Points (2-0-1). So far, so good.
Reaction On Reverse Retro (2.0) Sweaters (after sleeping on it)
Okay, I had a chance to step away and now let’s react appropriately to Detroit’s. My snap reaction that @jenkinsa81 mentioned in his full Reverse Retro 2.0 rundown is still generally where I stand.
They were teased as the “Barber Poles”, which for me snapped to memories of the 1991-1992 NHL 75th anniversary sweaters. Perfection. As worn by Steve Yzerman, Sergei Fedorov, Niklas Lidstrom, Bob Probert and all the other legends on that team…
In the first teaser, you saw flashes on the striping on the arm and thought here we go..
These jerseys were a nod to those worn by the Detroit Cougars in the 1920s. So, when they dropped it as a black and red version, I was kind of disappointed. The Red Wings colors are so classicly red and white. Dual color. When black is brought into it, especially with the striping, it’s too much like a Blackhawks jersey. Having something similar to the 75th anniversary with the red and white with a Detroit Cougar “D” or Detroit Falcon style gold text… or invert the colors.. you know, a retro jersey, but with the colors reversed?
Now yes, I like it more today than I did yesterday.
From my twitter remarks, a B- went to a solid B when I saw the Wings’ post with Larkin and that diamond “C” on the right side.
Maybe seeing them on the ice will change my mind?
Overall, meh. Closer, still falling short, but an improvement on the 1.0 jerseys.
Here’s the schedule of games they are slated to wear them
What do you think of this, the second reverse retro sweater?
The Morning Skate 