Game Day Updates/Projected Lines
The Wings had an optional skate this morning at Nationwide arena, here’s what we know about the rosters going into tonight’s game:
#RedWings Blashill confirms Athanasiou is out tonight.
— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) October 30, 2018
As Ansar Khan reported yesterday:
DeKeyser (hand) remains out for tomorrow. Hopes to return sometime this week. #RedWings
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) October 29, 2018
Athanasiou doubtful for tomorrow. Nielsen out at least next two games. #RedWings
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) October 29, 2018
With Athanasiou and Nielsen both out tonight, it looks like Michael Rasmussen will be slotted into the center position in his 10th NHL game, officially burning off a year of his ELC.
#RedWings Blashill said Rasmussen will play center tomorrow at #BlueJackets. It’ll be his 10th game, burning a year off his entry-level contract. He can still be sent to juniors later this season but looks like he’s here to stay.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) October 29, 2018
Detroit’s lineup should look similar to what they rolled out in practice yesterday. Note, Vanek should be slotted on the right wing of the second line, unless Nyquist can somehow play two positions at once:
#RedWings lines at practice:
Mantha-Larkin-Helm
Nyquist-de la Rose-Nyquist
Abdelkader-Glendening-Bertuzzi
Frk-Hicketts (filling in)-Rasmussen
Defense:
Cholowski-Green
Ericsson-Daley
Kronwall-Jensen
DeKeyser (injured)-Witkowski (extra)— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) October 29, 2018
UPDATE:
Notes: Nielsen, Athanasiou out against Columbus; #RedWings expected to go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen. #DETvsCBJ #LGRW
📝: https://t.co/J5XrAcneuG pic.twitter.com/SmmpFtQUfV
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 30, 2018
I imagine the lines will go through Mickey Redmond’s famous “bingo ball” treatment shortly after puck drop. If Rasmussen is indeed going to be slotted in the center position it will most likely be on the third of fourth line initially. Look for the third and fourth lines to go through several changes throughout the game.
As far as the starters in net tonight, Detroit will start Jimmy Howard and the Blue Jackets will go with Joonas Korpisalo between the pipes.
Keys to the Game
-Keep the momentum going
The Wings looked like an actual hockey team during their Sunday victory versus the Dallas Stars. Anthony Mantha looked dialed in on the top line with Helm and Larkin, and he will need to keep that going if the Wings are going to have a shot at winning tonight. With Athanasiou and Nielsen out, somebody is going to have to step up offensively, especially with the unavoidable line-juggling that is sure to take place.
-Composure/Discipline
Columbus is scrappy team and while the Wings will need to match their physicality, they cannot afford to take many, if any, undisciplined penalties. Once again, Detroit was poised against Dallas and they will need to keep that mindset and focus once again if they hope to win their third game of the season.
-Cholowski & Green
The Wings’ top defensive pair of Dennis Cholowski and Mike Green worked extremely well and efficiently together during the last game, and will look to keep that chemistry going to shut down Columbus’ offensive weapons. As young Cholowski continues to grow and impress, learning and playing alongside his childhood idol will undoubtedly pay off as he continues his journey in the NHL.
