Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: A Little R&R For Red Wings; Islanders Win, Penguins Lose Kulikov to LTIR

Detroit’s first three-day break since early February

Published

1 year ago

March 16, 2023

Bob Duff

Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde was opting to sandwich off days for his team around their 2-1 loss on Tuesday to the Predators in Nashville. He’ll get his players back on the ice Thursday, with two days of practice prior to Saturday afternoon’s home date against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche.

Down time hasn’t been on the menu for the Red Wings in quite some time. Since returning Feb. 7 from the NHL All-Star break, this is the first time Detroit will be going three days between games.

“We have two practices,” Lalonde was explaining to Bally Sports Detroit. “This is a team that has responded very well from practices, so we’ll get two practices and get back at it on Saturday.”

Back home vs. Colorado on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/Sm55vN5jVN

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 15, 2023

Finding that balance between keeping a team sharp and wearing them out mentally and physically is just one of the many challenges a coach faces.

As for the players, they were appreciative of the chance to step back from the constant action they’ve been facing of late.

“It’ll be nice,” forward Lucas Raymond said of the chance to get some R&R. “We’ve had a lot of games lately. It’s gonna be nice. Everyone can get some rest and get ready to go next time.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The Red Wings were returning forwards Austin Czarnik and Matt Luff to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins
Detroit draft pick netminder Jan Bednar was signing an AHL contract with the Griffins
The Red Wings got everything but a victory from a 2-1 loss in their latest visit to Nashville
Be careful who you’re chirping. He might be ending up as your teammate

Red Wings Next Game

It’s the Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche who’ll be visiting Little Caesars Arena on Saturday (1 p.m. ET). The last two times the Avs were reigning Cup champs – in 1996-97 and 2001-02 – the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in the ensuing season.

Hockey Now Network

Islanders: Taking care of business, the New York Islanders were downing the Anaheim Ducks 6-3.

Washington: Beating the Buffalo Sabres, the Washington Capitals went a long way toward maintaining their slim playoff hopes.

Pittsburgh: The Pittsburgh Penguins are placing recently-acquired defenseman Dmitry Kulikov on the LTIR.

Florida: Alex Lyon, the No. 3 goalie for the Florida Panthers, is ready to go should he be called upon during their playoff chase.

Boston: Bad starts are finishing off the Boston Bruins.

Montreal: Forward Christian Dvorak is the latest addition to the lengthy injury list of the Montreal Canadiens. He’s out for the season.

Philadelphia: Carson Briere, son of Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere, was caught on a viral video pushing a woman’s wheelchair down a flight of stairs.