Red Wings-Panthers Preview: Matthias Brome is Due
I’m putting it out there: Newest Red Wings forward Matthias Brome is due for a goal. Meanwhile:
UPDATE: Forwards Taro Hirose, Michael Rasmussen, Givani Smith and goaltender Calvin Pickard have been recalled from the #RedWings taxi squad. pic.twitter.com/MmKU97jyrF
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 30, 2021
Jonathan Bernier clearly isn’t ready to go and maybe the taxi squad line will get another look. As tweeted by the Detroit Free Press’ Helene St. James:
Jeff Blashill on Red Wings G Jonathan Bernier (upper body), doesn't think it's anything long term. Hurt in collision with Mantha.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) January 29, 2021
The Red Wings have to start strong
Detroit has been flat footed the last four games, a contrast from how they played in at least half of the first four. The Red Wings have struggled to generate scoring chances, and are usually being horribly outshot for long stretches of the game. After the 7-3 loss Thursday night, something has to change in the way of how they start games. At this point, it’s almost time for coach Jeff Blashill to push into a more aggressive forecheck instead of what feels like a “don’t make mistakes” style of play that sees the Wings fall into holes early.
Staying out of the penalty box is a must
No sooner had Danny DeKeyser scored his first goal of the season, pulling Detroit within one, did Luke Glendening take an ill advised penalty that put the dangerous Dallas power play back on the ice. It ended in a goal, followed by two more, which snuffed out any chance of a Red Wings comeback. In the split second following DeKeyser’s goal, it felt as if they were flipping the script just a bit. Yes, we know they need high draft picks, but fighting back in the midst of what looked like a game out of reach was a huge positive. Instead, the familiar storyline returned. The Red Wings aren’t going to get any favors from Florida, who in half as many games played as Detroit, has as many goals scored (16). Their power play is operating at 25% (3/12), and after watching how potent Dallas’ power play was, it’s best to not play with fire.
The losing streak is already at four. Tonight should give us an idea of what the week could bring.
Vince Dunn would be a great addition. light. Trending
Player to Watch: Matthias Brome. He has yet to get on the scoresheet, but more opportunity on the power play and first line ice time gives him the chance to find that first goal (or assist). He’s been doing the little things that go unnoticed. He’ll be rewarded for it at some point, and here’s hoping tonight is the first of many times.