In Red Wings Land

What Detroit Red Wings’ Michael Rasmussen’s benching means for future | Freep

“He’s had a tough last couple games, so we are going to give him a chance to take a little breather, watch from up top,” Blashill said Monday. “See what he can learn from watching and then get back at it on Wednesday and fight his way back into a good spot. With all our young players, we are extremely cognizant of what’s best for their long-term development.”

Rasmussen, 19, was disappointed.

“I want to play, help the team,” he said. “Different parts of the game are tough, but I think I am doing a lot of positive things in a lot of areas. I trust Blash and I trust the coaches to make good decisions for me so I am just going to go up there and learn.”

Well, I’m sure Michael Rasmussen got to see and learn what not to do after watching last night’s Red Wings loss to the Canadiens.

Joking aside, it wasn’t the worst decision to sit the kid. Probably good for him to sit back and watch from above what’s working and what’s not. Rasmussen seems to have a good head on his shoulders and understands the situation too.

Now, with all that said, after the poor start to the season by the team, I really wouldn’t have any issues with Ken Holland deciding to send Rasmussen back to juniors. I’m not sure what that would do for his development. It might not help him, but it probably wouldn’t hurt him either. What it will do, however, is slide his contract another year and that’s not a bad thing with the direction this season is going and going fast.

Around the League

Matheson suspended two games for controversial body slam | TSN

Definitely wasn’t a necessary play.