After losing their first three preseason games, the Detroit Red Wings were able to finish off their schedule with a 3-2 record, which included Saturday night’s win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The last game of the preseason did not disappoint on the entertainment level of things. It came down to a shootout in which the Red Wings were able to get two great conversions from PA Parenteau and Matt Lorito.
Here are three takeaways from the win.
#1 Penalties Everywhere
If you watched this game then you would have noticed the large amount of penalties for both teams. Especially in the second period when it looked like the Red Wings might spend the entire period on the penalty kill.
Of course, this was far from the Wings veteran side but it has been interesting to watch some of the calls being made by the officiating crews this preseason. Any level of player will be punished, it appears, this season for lazy and pointless slashes.
#2 Michael Rasmussen Goes Out in Style
Although Michael Rasmussen won’t be in the Red Wings opening night roster, the 2017 first round draft pick has left an impression on the coaching staff that will bode well for his future with the team.
His foul goals during the preseason showed exactly why he was selected and quieted the doubters of his ability to play at a high level.
Perhaps will we see him with the Grand Rapids Griffins at some point towards the end of the season. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Rasmussen making a permanent jump to the AHL at some point during the course of the season.
#3 Fighting Spirit
Saturday night’s game was a great opportunity to see what it looks like when players are doing everything they can to make it onto the Red Wings roster. There were players out there playing with a level of intensity that made it look like a regular season battle between the two sides, which was very impressive considering a majority of them know they will soon be reassigned or cut from the team in the coming days.
It was evident on the penalty kill as players were not afraid to put their bodies in the way of shots. Players like Joe Hicketts who are on the bubble will now have to wait to see where they stand entering the 2017-18 season.