Gameday Updates
Today’s rosters pic.twitter.com/iw5hR90Vg7
— Ken Kal (@KenKalDRW) October 27, 2019
Still going on yesterday’s news unless we hear something otherwise:
#RedWings Blashill said Erne not likely tomorrow, more possible Tuesday; Abdelkader did not skate so not likely tomorrow.
— Dana Wakiji (@Dwakiji) October 26, 2019
Unrelated, but happy anniversary!
On this day in 1995, the @DetroitRedWings became the first NHL team to feature five Russian players on the ice at the same time #Hockey365 #LGRW pic.twitter.com/FQiuvT9WUQ
— Mike Commito (@mikecommito) October 27, 2019
Projected Lineups
Red Wings
Forwards
L1: Tyler Bertuzzi — Dylan Larkin — Darren Helm
L2: Andreas Athanasiou — Valtteri Filppula — Anthony Mantha
L3: Taro Hirose — Frans Nielsen — Evgeny Svechnikov
L4: Christoffer Ehn — Jacob de la Rose — Givani Smith
Defense
D1: Filip Hronek — Mike Green
D2: Patrik Nemeth — Trevor Daley
D3: Alex Biega — Dennis Cholowski
Goalies
Jimmy Howard
Jonathan Bernier
Keys to the Game
1. Speed Kills
It was touched on prior to Friday night’s game that one of the few weapons the Red Wings have offensively right now is their speed. Andreas Athanasiou did a great job creating space in the last game, but just couldn’t solve Linus Ullmark with a tally or two. Talent wise, the Blues bring the highest pedigree of talent and after all they are the defending champions until proven otherwise. If the Wings want to snap their losing streak, speed is the focus to put these Blues defenders on their heels and make them a little extra uncomfortable in their defensive zone, hopefully creating some turnovers that lead to quality scoring chances.
2. Take What they Give You
The Wings will be facing a backup goalie again tonight, and this time it’s the struggling Jake Allen. It’s time the Wings take advantage of these situations, especially with Allen, who is 1-1-0 with a 4.17 GAA and .849 SV% in two starts this year. If you’re looking for a golden opportunity to get one back in the win column, this is it.
3. Play Physical
When the front office decided to give Givani Smith a shot on Friday night, I’m guessing they were tired of seeing the replay from the Senators game that showed Brady Tkachuk hammering away on Jonathan Bernier in the crease untouched. Whatever the case, it was a smart move as this team has been playing way too soft in recent weeks rather than playing a tougher brand of hockey. I’m not saying go out and start brawls, but show some push back and an edge…it’s called competitiveness.
