Updates
Update: Forwards Adam Erne, Robby Fabbri, Sam Gagner and defenseman Jon Merrill have been removed from non-roster (COVID protocol).
Additionally, Mathias Brome has been assigned to the #RedWings taxi squad. pic.twitter.com/Y0g6x9rjSL
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 3, 2021
Oof, as Gagner comes back onto the active roster, Mathias Bromé heads to the taxi squad. Bromè has had some warts so far (41.6% xGF%), but individually he’s also created some of Detroit’s more dangerous chances. This one is surprising
— Max Bultman (@m_bultman) February 3, 2021
Andrei Vasilevskiy is the first #Bolts goalie off the ice from morning skate. Looks like he’ll start again tonight. Has started every game for Tampa Bay to begin the season. #DETvsTBL
— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) February 3, 2021
We’re guessing Greiss, but as has been usual this season, we haven’t gotten confirmation on who the first goalie off was for Detroit.
Red Wings Lines
Fabbri – Larkin – Ryan
Hirose – Nemestnikov – Mantha
Helm – Glendening – Erne
Smith – Filppula – Brome (Nielsen practicing on that line as well)
Nemeth – Hronek
DeKeyser – Djoos
Staal – Stetcher
Greiss
Pickard
Lightning Lines
Palat – Point – Stamkos
Killorn – Cirelli – Johnson
Coleman – Gourd – Goodrow
Maroon – Joseph
Hedman – Rutta
McDonough – Cernak
Sergachev – Schenn – Foote
Vasilevskiy
McElhinney
Three Keys to the Game
Figure out some schematics on the power play so your best players can make plays. Peter laid out the problems a couple days ago with Blashill’s comments about players needing to make plays on the man-advantage far better than I ever could. I’m a pretty staunch Blashill defender, but the power play needs to convert more often. The reffing standard so far this season has been a bit disappointing compared to years past, so capitalize!
Keep Hedman away from the top line. This seems basic, and I suppose it is, but easier said than done. Tampa will have the last change, and the will undoubtedly want to hound Detroit’s best players with Victor Hedman. Somehow, Detroit will need play a shell game and get its best players in a favorable matchup because the depth still isn’t there on this team and one Norris-trophy winner can do a lot of damage to a shallow team.
Someone not named Larkin, Mantha, Ryan, Bertuzzi, or Hronek needs to score. Those five guys have a combined 34 points. The rest of the team (not counting the guys who were sent down to GR on Monday) have 17. Obviously your best players should be your best players, but Detroit needs more offense from anywhere right now.
