Elmer Söderblom was the first winger to take the spotlight during Detroit Red Wings training camp, skating on the top line alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.
For Söderblom, it was a chance to prove he belonged there—and he didn’t disappoint during Sunday’s Red & White game at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.
What Happened?
The 24-year-old scored twice for the White team, helping secure a 3-2 win. Alex DeBrincat added the White team’s only other goal.
Amadeus Lombardi, who made a name for himself as an assist machine during the Rookie Showcase, continued that trend by setting up both of Söderblom’s goals. The first came on a crisp snapshot off the rush against Cam Talbot in the opening period. The second saw Söderblom stationed in the slot, burying a pass from Lombardi past Michal Postava in the second period.
The Red team had their moments as well. Jonatan Berggren, who is fighting to stay in the organization, scored, along with Emmitt Finnie.
The game ended with a seven-round shootout, which concluded when Lombardi converted a backhand past rising Red Wings prospect Sebastian Cossa.
Marco Kasper stole the show in the shootout with a dazzling display of stickhandling, switching repeatedly from forehand to backhand before finally sneaking the puck past Cossa. Other players who scored in the shootout included Raymond, Berggren, and Andrew Copp.
Ultimately, the players expected to perform did their jobs, and at least one—Berggren, who has been called upon to play with more urgency—showed he was willing to put it all on the line.
Overall, this was a strong start and shows that the youth of this team has some depth.
What’s Next?
The Red Wings take on the Chicago Blackhawks in a preseason game on Tuesday, September 23, at Little Caesars Arena. Puck drop is at 5 p.m. local time.