In Red Wings Land

Red Wings open rare break in schedule with spirited practice | Detroit News

Several players after Monday’s loss to the New York Islanders, along with coach Jeff Blashill, talked about the need to work hard in practice this week — but also bring a level of fun, enthusiasm and enjoyment into the locker room.

Let’s face it, fun has been in short supply considering all the defeats.

But this week will be a good opportunity to loosen up a bit.

“For sure, it’s not easy when you’re losing every week to come in with a good attitude,” Glendening said. “Maybe these four days will be good for us in terms of just we don’t have any games and we can have some on the ice and have some fun together, and have renewed energy.”

I would greatly appreciate it if the Red Wings could find the fun, enthusiasm and enjoyment while practicing this week and actually translate it to their game on Saturday against the Penguins.

Red Wings reassign Filip Zadina, Taro Hirose, perhaps temporarily | MLive

DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings today assigned forwards Filip Zadina and Taro Hirose to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins.

The demotions could be temporary, at least in Zadina’s case. The Red Wings have four days off before facing the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday at Little Caesars Arena (7 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit) and they apparently want these young players to get in a couple of games this week for the Griffins, who play at home Wednesday and Friday.

Makes sense.

ICYMI

On Mike Babcock, Ken Holland, and my Red Wings fandom | WIIM

J.J. weighs in on the whole Mike Babcock situation.

Around the League

Why the Devils fired John Hynes, and what happens next | ESPN

The New Jersey Devils have fired head coach John Hynes after a disastrous start to the season. The Devils are 9-13-4, their 22 points are second fewest in the NHL, and they have the fourth-worst record over the past two seasons at 40-54-14.

The Devils aren’t as bad as the Wings, but their expectations were definitely higher going into the season.