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The Daily: Nyquist out for season; Red Wings first NHL team to play outdoor game 69 years ago today

Detroit played exhibition game vs convicts inside prison

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Gustav Nyquist, ex-Red Wings
Former Red Wings forward Gustav Nyquist of Columbus is out with a shoulder injury.

The Detroit Red Wings once dealt forward Gustav Nyquist to the San Jose Sharks at the NHL trade deadline. This season, with the Columbus Blue Jackets floundering, Nyquist, an impending UFA, was figuring to be a popular rental addition at the deadline.

However, a shoulder injury is putting Nyquist on the shelf long-term, making it unlikely that he’ll be moving someplace new by the March 3 NHL trade deadline.

There are conflicting reports regarding the severity of Nyquist’s injury. Some suggest he’ll be out for the season. However, there’s also the possibility that he could come back at some point during the Stanley Cup playoffs. Is a team willing to roll the dice on that possibility? Time will tell.

When Detroit First Took It Outdoors

Outdoor games are now a staple of the NHL schedule. However, the first time an NHL team took to the great outdoors to play a game, it wasn’t even on the NHL schedule.

On February 2, 1954, the Red Wings traveled to Marquette, Michigan and played an exihibition game there against a team of convicts on an outdoor rink situated inside the walls of Marquette Branch Prison. In those days, it was known as the Alcatraz of the north.

The cons might’ve been a tough bunch, but they were no match for the pros wearing the Winged Wheel on their jerseys. It was 10-0 Detroit by the 10-minute mark and 18-0 at the end of the first period.

Looking to balance the teams, following the first frame, Red Wings stars Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay and Terry Sawchuk were traded. They’d be doing time for the rest of the game in prison stripes.

Diplomatically, the final score was reported by the Associated Press as 5-2 Red Wings.

“It could’ve been 50-0,” Wings Hall of Fame defenseman Marcel Pronovost once recalled of the game.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

  • If Detroit is considering a deal involving captain Dylan Larkin, the Boston Bruins would like a word
  • The Red Wings have a month left to decide whether to trade or keep impending UFA Tyler Bertuzzi
  • Detroit has opted to part ways with goalie Jussi Olkinuora, who was playing with AHL Grand Rapids
  • Speaking of the Griffins, Jakub Vrana, Elmer Soderblom and Alex Nedeljkovic paced Grand Rapids to a 2-1 victory over Milwaukee

Red Wings Next Game

Detroit is returning to action on Tuesday, February 7, playing host to the Edmonton Oilers at Little Caesars Arena (7 p.m. ET). The Oilers are 7-0-1 in their past eight games.

Hockey Now Network

Pittsburgh: President of hockey operations Brian Burke says he’s proud of how the Pittsburgh Penguins have battled through injuries this season.

Boston: Taking to social media on Wednesday, Boston Bruins pest Brad Marchand was at his trolling best.

Philadelphia: These players should be of interest to the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2023 NHL entry draft.

Islanders: Now that he has a top center to work with, it’s time for New York Islanders winger Mathew Barzal to step up.

Florida: Former Florida Panthers interim head coach Andrew Brunette was arrested in Deerfield Beach, Fla. on Wednesday morning under the suspicion of DUI.

Washington: Alex Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals, and Sidney Crosby, his Pittsburgh counterpart, will be teaming up for the breakaway challenge during the NHL All-Star Skills Competition.

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Montreal: With five goals in seven games, Montreal Canadiens forward Rafael Harvey-Pinard is making the most of his limited opportunities.

Colorado: While his Colorado Avalanche teammates get some R&R during the NHL All-Star break, injured defenseman Bowen Byram is working to get back into the lineup.

Calgary: The Calgary Flames are reportedly eyeing Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk as a trade target.

San Jose: The San Jose Sharks are looking to upgrade their goaltending.

Vegas: Mark Stone, captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, is out indefinitely after undergoing back surgery.