Three Questions: Wings-Bruins
DRW.com's Michael Caples analyzes the Wings' third preseason game
Friday, 09.26.2008 / 10:17 PM
/ News
By Michael Caples
- DetroitRedWings.com Intern
What was the top play for the Red Wings Friday night?
With Evan McGrath serving a four-minute penalty in the second period, the Bruins were looking at jumping up 2-0 and putting the game out of reach for Detroit. Marian Hossa, however, had other plans, and picked the pocket of one of the Bruins’ defenseman about a minute and a half into the penalty kill. Hossa created multiple scoring chances after the turnover, but even more important was the fact that after the big turnover, the Bruins failed to set up the power play in the Detroit end. After spending the rest of the penalty time primarily in the neutral zone, the Red Wings created offensive pressure the instant McGrath left the box, and drew a Boston penalty – a big swing for the game’s momentum.
Who stepped up in the absence of Wings captain Nick Lidstrom?
Detroit coach Mike Babcock was left with a large void in his defensive corps for the game Friday, with Lidstrom not dressing due to a broken nose he received from an errant puck in the first preseason game. Defensemen Derek Meech and Brett Lebda picked up the slack, playing for 23:45 and 23:06, respectively. Meech also tallied the Red Wings only goal on a blast from the point.
Which Detroit line impressed most during the third game?
The line of Ville Leino, Justin Abdelkader and Jan Mursak continued to impress in their second preseason game, with all three making their case for a spot on the opening night roster. Leino led the way with over 16 minutes of ice time, including nearly three minutes on the power play. The trio also drew two Boston penalties with their aggressive forechecking and cycling deep in the offensive zone.
With Evan McGrath serving a four-minute penalty in the second period, the Bruins were looking at jumping up 2-0 and putting the game out of reach for Detroit. Marian Hossa, however, had other plans, and picked the pocket of one of the Bruins’ defenseman about a minute and a half into the penalty kill. Hossa created multiple scoring chances after the turnover, but even more important was the fact that after the big turnover, the Bruins failed to set up the power play in the Detroit end. After spending the rest of the penalty time primarily in the neutral zone, the Red Wings created offensive pressure the instant McGrath left the box, and drew a Boston penalty – a big swing for the game’s momentum.
Who stepped up in the absence of Wings captain Nick Lidstrom?
Detroit coach Mike Babcock was left with a large void in his defensive corps for the game Friday, with Lidstrom not dressing due to a broken nose he received from an errant puck in the first preseason game. Defensemen Derek Meech and Brett Lebda picked up the slack, playing for 23:45 and 23:06, respectively. Meech also tallied the Red Wings only goal on a blast from the point.
Which Detroit line impressed most during the third game?
The line of Ville Leino, Justin Abdelkader and Jan Mursak continued to impress in their second preseason game, with all three making their case for a spot on the opening night roster. Leino led the way with over 16 minutes of ice time, including nearly three minutes on the power play. The trio also drew two Boston penalties with their aggressive forechecking and cycling deep in the offensive zone.
