Derek Lalonde, the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, changes up training camp
As they get ready for the start of their preseason schedule, which starts on Tuesday at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Detroit Red Wings are wrapping up their training camp in Traverse City. Prior to the start of the regular season in New Jersey on October 12, Detroit will play eight preseason games.
Head coach Derek Lalonde chose to change Detroit’s annual Red and White team scrimmage. The Detroit Red Wings Red and White game had traditionally been a three-period contest with some three-on-three action to simulate overtime and a fan-favorite shootout competition to end the game.
Things looked very different this year. Each session was devoted to working on a particular project rather than imitating a game. The Detroit Red Wings practiced five-on-five play during the first period of the scrimmage. Several one-minute power play opportunities that alternated between the two teams were the focus of the second session. The Red Wings practiced four-on-four and three-on-three play in the final period, capping the day with a shootout.
Lalonde referred to the day as “productive.”
Lalonde remarked, “I loved the pace.” “We wanted to work hard and be productive, and it went much more smoothly than I had expected. The special teams’ tempo, the pace of the first quarter, and the staff’s effort.We worked on a number of things, including the introduction of the three-on-three and four-on-four teams as well as the five-on-five framework and other special teams.
Overall, a productive day.
Lalonde remarked, “Give credit to the penalty kill and some good goaltending. “On the power play, we had a ton of opportunities and solid looks. If we go through a dry spell like that throughout the regular season, we’d be content knowing that it will go in as long as you get looks like that. The men appeared at ease in their positions.
Derek Lalonde, head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, thought James Reimer stood out the most.
James Reimer was singled out by Lalonde as the player who stood out the most. Of course, Reimer and Alex Lyon are vying for the team’s primary backup goaltender position. To replace Detroit’s workhorse, Ville Husso, the Detroit Red Wings need a trustworthy goaltender. Husso’s rookie campaign as the starting goalie for the franchise ended with him looking weary. Husso was used more frequently than Lalonde would have preferred, but the team lacked a reliable backup to keep Detroit in games. In addition to adding two veteran backups, general manager Steve Yzerman went out and signed one in free agency. Ironically, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired both of Detroit’s backup players from a year ago.
“Both of those guys had really strong days,” Lalonde remarked. If you were to ask me which guy stood out the most today, I’d have to say Reimer. The way he played was his own doing, and Lyon also had a terrific day. Ville, who also conceded the two goals early, however appeared very sharp.
“The goalie contributed to the special teams’ 100% kill of the 16 minutes of power play. It had great sharpness.
The majority of us anticipated that Reimer would land the no. 2 goaltender position, and while anything may happen, it now seems like Reimer has an advantage over Lyon. For the Florida Panthers in the latter weeks of the previous season, Lyon displayed excellent performance. He was a major factor in Florida sneaking into the postseason. He started the playoffs as the starter but finally gave it back to Sergei Bobrovsky, who had an incredible run.
Sebastian Cossa, the organization’s best goaltender prospect, would benefit greatly from Lyon starting the season in Grand Rapids if the goaltending situation plays out this way. Cossa is anticipated to make the transition from the ECHL to the AHL after an outstanding season with the Toledo Walleye, much like his coach (Dan Watson). Lyon, 30, is a fantastic mentor for a young player who is still finding his feet.
