Fansided

Detroit Red Wings: Zadina gets popped and Cholowski shines

By Bob Heyrman |
EVERETT, WA - APRIL 7: Portland Winterhawks defenseman Dennis Cholowski (27) looks to pass to a teammate during the third period in Game 2 of the second round of the Western Hockey League playoffs between the Everett Silvertips and Portland Winterhawks on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, WA. The Everett Silvertips won the game by a final score of 6-0. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EVERETT, WA - APRIL 7: Portland Winterhawks defenseman Dennis Cholowski (27) looks to pass to a teammate during the third period in Game 2 of the second round of the Western Hockey League playoffs between the Everett Silvertips and Portland Winterhawks on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, WA. The Everett Silvertips won the game by a final score of 6-0. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Detroit Red Wings lose in the finals to the Columbus Blue Jackets with an ugly performance to cap off the 2018 NHL prospects tournament.

Tuesday night was the final game of the 2018 NHL prospect tournament.  The Detroit Red Wings were humbled by the Blue Jackets.

A scary scene took place mid-way through the third period.  Fillip Zadina was on the receiving end of a Michael Rasmussen pass and then got blasted by Jackets defender Justin Wade.  It was an ugly sight, to say the least.

Zadina was at the top of the right circle, set to send a driving shot towards the net, that’s when Wade arrived with an ugly hit on Zadina that looked to be high.  Wade had his sights set on Zadina and delivered what appeared like a calculated blow.

Zadina was down for a bit and required assistance off the ice.  The good news was Zadina would end up returning to the game after further examination.

Dana Wakiji & Art Regner from DetroitRedWings.com caught up with Zadina after the game;

“I got a pass from Ras and I tried to shoot the puck but the guy, the second guy from behind, he step in and he hit me. I hit my wrist beside my chest and it just squeezed it so it hurt but it’s going to be good. Nothing changing, we are lost. I didn’t help the team to win. They were just checking my wrist and just said I want to go back. But I probably should stay in the room because I didn’t help the team. It was a horrible game.”

As you can tell by Zadina’s comments, the Detroit Red Wings didn’t play well in the finale.  The Jackets routed the Wings to a 7-3 final.

Dennis Cholowski was a bright spot for the Detroit Red Wings throughout the entire tournament.  Cholowski was showing off his smooth skating ability and willingness to jump into the play to create offense.

Dana Wakiji & Art Regner from DetroitRedWings.com talked about Cholowski with Ben Simon, who is the new  Grand Rapids Griffins bench boss this season.

“You can tell he put a lot of work in over the summer. The fact he can play four games in five nights and log the amount of minutes he did and have the success he did in this quick little tournament speaks to the work he put in over the summer. I’m sure he’s tired but he serviced himself well.”

Cholowski recorded 6 points which were good for third most throughout the entire tournament.  Dennis Cholowski showed off his NHL caliber shot, skating and leadership abilities leading this young group of Detroit Red Wings prospects.

dark. Next. 8 Historical Facts Every Detroit Red Wings Fan Should Know

We expect Cholowski to compete with Filip Hronek, Joe Hicketts, Libor Sulak and Nick Jensen for a final roster spot with the Detroit Red Wings.  At this moment, after demonstrating his skill-set over the past week, Cholowski may have launched himself as the early favorite.

Home / Prospects