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Catching up - Grand Rapids, Goalies and the SHL |
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Yesterday’s game against Edmonton saw a very strong start for Detroit, but the 2nd period saw Edmonton come rolling in. There was a bit of a sigh of relief as the teams hit overtime where Detroit would garner a single point.
While those of you who stop by see what Detroit is up against and how it could play out long term without some course correction, there are some really encouraging signs on the developmental side. Sven took a minute to point out in the comments that Grand Rapids is off to a 6-1 start. They had given up a lead but won in a shootout yesterday. Lombardi (4G, 2A) and Shine (2G, 4A) lead the way in points both with 6 in 7 games (Watson has 6 assists to add a third player to that group). Husso is injured (new injury) but Cossa is 4-1-0 with a .954 SV% and 1.54 GAA. Hot start for the big net minder.
Over at Michigan State Trey Augustine’s Sophomore campaign has started with him attaining a 4-2-0 record, a .931 SV% and a 1.83 GAA. Another promising candidate in net for Detroit.
In the SHL Axel Sandin-Pellikka is still tied for team lead in points (13), goals (5) and is 3rd in assists with 8 in his first 14 games. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard still has just 1 goal in his first 6.
Just a quick glimpse back to yesterday’s tilt for Detroit, Kasper seems more and more to look solidified in the NHL as there is still some line juggling going on. Johansson is a welcome sight when he plays as Detroit shuffles through the blue line. With Husso’s newest injury the 3 goalie setup seems to have put him at the back of the line (along with his waiver to the minors) for now as Lyon and Talbot rotate.
More talk of potential player movement has picked up as Utah is seeing some complications due to injuries and multiple teams are interested in acquiring blue liners. It’s a tough go in the first 10 games of the year, while at least one unsigned Dman is garnering attention (apparently) in Kevin Shattenkirk who seems to be potentially tied to a spot in Edmonton.
It’s been a tough early schedule for Detroit, and yesterday’s start felt like a promising shift. Winnipeg is on a tear to start the season and Wednesday’s match could see some rough waters.
We’ll see how things develop and if Detroit can get in on a deal to upgrade the blue line or if this is the team they’re going to ride until the TDL. While it gets mentioned that the team is in a 5 way tie at 4-4-1, it seems fairly clear that without a stronger defensive game that could shift rapidly in a division that has 3 cups all in the state of Florida along with 5 SCF appearances. Until then, the goalie development in Cossa and Augustine seem to offer a good deal of promise with a trip for ASP to North America feeling like a natural next step (as several of you feel he should be playing over here at this point).
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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