Detroit Red Wings Preview: Back at it against Florida

Feb 19, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Patrik Nemeth (22) handles the puck as Florida Panthers right wing Brett Connolly (10) defends during the first period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Patrik Nemeth (22) handles the puck as Florida Panthers right wing Brett Connolly (10) defends during the first period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Red Wings will be taking on the Florida Panthers in less than 24 hours tonight. The Red Wings, following their 7-2 loss last night, were rocked by some news that affected everyone in the organization:


The news of losing a beloved member of the organization while watching Jeff Blashill’s raw emotion made me pause. Seeing the head coach of a hockey team, after a brutal loss, be so vulnerable and so well spoken in a time of obvious grief just made me stop to reflect.

We all get wound up about the games and this was a reminder of how human beings are still the ones who strap on the skates and bark out the orders on the bench. After losing their game, they walk into the locker room and learn of the death of someone close to them. I’ve been leveled by news like that in my own life. I can’t imagine how they even processed that after a rough game.

It’s tough watching games some nights but it’s even tougher watching fellow human beings hurt like that.

My condolences to the organization and the Tchekmarev family.

The Red Wings are back at it in less than 24 hours

Currently on a three game losing streak, the Red Wings will be looking to turn things around. Defensively the Red Wings had been playing close to their counterparts but things fell apart quickly last night. Even more challenging was the power play going 0-4 and falling into a deeper 0 for their last 34 power play chances.

It will be interesting to see what–if any–changes are made tonight with the lineup. It was a pretty forgettable night for the bottom two lines, outside of Valtteri Filppula who scored a goal that deflected off of Anthony Duclair’s stick.

Must Read. The Red WIngs Power Play Continues to Struggle. light

Evgeny Svechnikov is watching and waiting right now. Meanwhile, let’s keep an eye on Grand Rapids to see how Dennis Cholowski, Givani Smith, and Michael Rasmussen continue to play and (hopefully) progress.

The Red Wings and Panthers face off at 5:00 p.m. EST.