The Detroit Red Wings are just one day away from opening the preseason and it's coming against a heated former division rival in the Chicago Blackhawks. This one might not count, but for two historic rivals to kick off their 100th season against one another, it's special to say the least.
No, you probably won't see the gloves drop in this one, since coaches and front offices want to evaluate players based on how they serve their teams. But don't think for a single second that the two sides won't "exchange greetings" that things won't get heated.
Remember, we got two young organizations as far as the players go, and two coaches entering their first full seasons. Jeff Blashill wants to leave a good first impression on Chicago fans that he can be 'the guy' to lift this team outta the doldrums. And Todd McLellan would like nothing more than to erase the Wings playoff drought in Year 100.
Detroit Red Wings players have a golden opportunity here
Coming into the preseason, the Red Wings have too many holes to fill. But players like Elmer Soderblom, who looked good in the Red & White Game, want to change that narrative. Soderblom's someone who can fill the void at left wing in the top six, and if he does, then the Wings have six forwards who can score on anyone heading into October 2025.
And what about the blue line? While the top four looks set in stone, there's still a burning question of who'll win the final two jobs as full-time, or near full-time, on the third pairng. Go with the veterans in Travis Hamonic, Justin Holl, or Erik Gustafsson? Or keep playing the long game and do all you can to help Jacob Bernard-Docker win a role?
Red Wings should start answering major questions tomorrow night
What about the goaltending? While it's up in the air as I write this who'll be in the net or even skating tomorrow night, we got a lot netminders we know little about as to where they're fitting this season.
Is John Gibson capable of sidling back into a No. 1 role, or is he a 1A? Can Cam Talbot keep bringing a solid game despite his advanced age? Will Sebastian Cossa show us he's capable of cutting into their playing time?
Tomorrow night, we should get a few answers, or at least start getting an idea. Nonetheless, there's a lot to celebrate heading into tomorrow. Preseason hockey's back with a heated rivalry to go with it, even if the games don't count.
I'll be celebrating my favorite C/K-pop singer's (Yuqi's) birthday early, and celebrate the start of a new seasonn for the Wings tomororow evening. Can't wait for the game to begin.