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Update -
The shot block that took down Buium may have him sidelined. Definitely took him time to get off the ice.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård wasn’t in the lineup for today’s game against Dallas. Apparently tweaked a groin muscle and they wanted him healthy for camp when it starts Thursday.
Today’s game had some polarizing feels within it. First, Danielson can make plays. He can steal the puck, make beautiful and creative passes and set up his teammates. Unfortunately, sometimes it feels like he is overplaying the puck and passing up on the shot. Regardless, his defensive acumen is impressive.
Buium, today, did not have a great outing. Turnovers and some positioning issues plagued his game today. To his credit, he will jump in on offense. Those lessons on when and where as the competition gets faster and stronger will be valuable.
Johannes is not only a physical player, but can take a quick shot off of a pass. Even when outmatched, this is a player that wants to make his mark on the game and keep defenders on their toes.
Doucet has 3 goals over 2 games. One was an empty net, but the other two were timely rebounds that lean toward a player who will muck it up in the crease and stick with a play.
Gylander let in 1 goal in 90 minutes of play. Miller let in 2 in 30 minutes. The confidence level and development of Gylander seemed fairly evident as he played all of game 1 and half of today’s tilt. Miller made some good plays but it was on the defense to swarm to the rebounds. His saves could put him out of position.
In terms of game flow, today was the opposite of game one. Dallas really began to take over at the start of the 2nd period and had to have struck 5 or 6 goalposts. Their cycle game and possession seemed to have Detroit on their heels. A win is always a good thing, but the final score (opinion) didn’t reflect the effort. Credit to shot blocking, one that looked nasty took Buium down and almost cost a goal as he couldn’t get off the ice quick enough during transition. It seemed like the team was willing to get in front of pucks and support the netminder.
Good pace, some physicality, and some pleasant surprises. For me Rychlovsky was a pleasant surprise. Sporting #81, he seems to be a big and powerful player that could serve in the net front/bumper position on a power play as he grows his game. Danielson seems to grow exponentially in maturity and focus as time marches on.
A lot of credit to Detroit and Dallas for putting on two entertaining games that allowed fans to see the prospects come together. In the coming week some of these players will be tested against NHL pros and it will be interesting to see if they can step up and make an impact.
First Period:
At 14:58 Johannes put the puck on net and Doucet grabbed the rebound scoring the first of the game and his 3rd in the back to back. 1-0 DET.
Shots: 10-7 DET
Score: 1-0 DET
Second Period:
At 13:36 Dallas won an O zone faceoff and scored their first of the game. Wings did a goalie sub at 10 min and Miller doesn’t look very strong. 1-1
At 16:45 Johannes ripped a shot from the half-wall and restored the 1 goal lead. Has been noticeable in these games. 2-1 DET
Shots: 20-17 DAL
Score: 2-1 DET
Third Period:
At 14:07 Detroit was on the power play. Danielson made a nice cross ice pass from the left faceoff area and Finnie ripped a shot into the far top corner, even got a water bottle bounce. Danielson’s playmaking has been excellent. Needs to shoot more. 3-1 DET
With .6 seconds left Dallas scored after having pulled the goalie. The Stars outplayed Detroit but end up falling 3-2
Final Shots: not shown
Final Score: 3-2 DET