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It’s been a tough go, but tonight Detroit has a chance to sweep a season series. Both games so far were low scoring (1-0, 2-1) so we’ll see if that continues. As of yesterday both Kane and Rasmussen were “day to day”. That hit Ras took in the last game wasn’t dirty, the slow mo saw his head bounce off the glass along with apparently solid contact with his ribs. He looked foggy and for whatever reason the “spotter” was nowhere to be seen.
As for Kane, he’s out tonight and apparently day to day with maintenance. Not sure what happened, but he has looked off the past couple of contests. If that’s the case then someone needs to grab his spot on the 2nd line. I’d at least contemplate JB as he seems to have found some scoring touch recently.
Detroit and the Isles have a lot of similar stats. NYI has the 31st PK at 68.2 and Detroit is at the bottom with 66.7. NYI also has the 31st ranked power play at 13.3% while Detroit is at 6th with 28.1% (though it’s been stonewalled the past 2 outings). Goals for see NYI at 2.48 vs. Detroit at 2.45 (26th and 27th) but goals against favors the Isles at 2.81 vs. 3.15 (12th and 20th).
Neither of these teams are having the season they hoped for, ironically the departure of Trotz hasn’t seen the success in Nashville that many, myself included, thought there would be with an aggressive summer. Detroit has watched 2 coaching changes but Yzerman’s M.O. is to finish the deal before it’s announced.
speaking of finishing deals, PHR has the Rangers shopping Trouba and Kreider. This is where it gets tricky. He’s already made it clear he didn’t want to come to Detroit. Not sure if NYR would send him to Jersey or D.C. Kreider could be a depth piece for a team expecting a long playoff run. It’s tough, not impossible, but very tough to see Detroit in on these discussions.
PHR also quoted the Athletic in terms of what Detroit may be working on. From the article:
“Max Bultman of The Athletic opines, longer-term additions, such as their failed pursuit of Jacob Trouba over the summer, could make sense. With Detroit’s team defense struggling heavily, especially at 5-on-5, he named young Blue Jackets right-shot defender David JiĹ™ĂÄŤek as an option, likely the most attainable given Detroit’s deep pool of prospects at seemingly every position to deal from and Columbus’ growing willingness to move on.”
I haven’t had my eye on Jiricek (and I can’t find those accent buttons on this keyboard) but an interesting thought. CBJ is certainly looking at moving pieces around. After
talking to Dan Watson it sounds like 4th round pick Lombardi and Wallinder are coming into their own. I’d bring up Lombardi potentially, but this isn’t a great atmosphere for rookies right now. Grand Rapids has a lot of good things happening. May be best to shield them from what’s looking like a step backward season.
So, let me know your thoughts. Can Detroit sweep the series? Do any of those trade names entice you at all? Thanks again for everyone who stops by. If you get a chance, please check out my new Youtube channel
Strings and Pucks. it’s been a fun start and will have hockey and guitar stuff on tap. My favorite lanes! Enjoy the game tonight, see you in the post game write up.
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