No Husso For Red Wings Games in Sweden

The birth of his daughter, Emmi Marie, will keep Detroit Red Wings goalie Ville Husso from playing either of the two games in Sweden.

Coach Derek Lalonde announced that James Reimer will play Thursday against Ottawa and probably Alex Lyon will play Thursday against Toronto, although that is not definite. As Detroit’s No. 3 goalie, Lyon has not played a game this regular-season.

Husso flew home Monday and won’t return to Sweden for this trip.

Congrats to the Husso family on the birth of their baby girl, Emmi Marie! 🥰❤️ pic.twitter.com/q47lKudJ26

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

Although Husso is the starter, Reimer has outperformed him in the early going this season. Reimer, 35, boasts a 1.80 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage in five games. Reimer has given up two or fewer goals in three of his five starts.  Husso, meanwhile, has given up three or more goals in nine of his 10 starts.

Over his past six starts, Husso has given up 24 goals. Husso won his last start against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but he surrendered four goals on 22 shots (.818 save percentage) on goal. The Red Wings were hoping Husso would be playing at a higher level this season. Husso, 28, has only had a save percentage above .900 twice in his 10 starts.

The Red Wings wanted to get Lyon into a game before now, but Lalonde hasn’t been able to find the spot. They also considered sending Lyon to the Grand Rapids Griffins on a conditioning assignment. But that also hasn’t happened.  The last time Lyon played a game was Oct. 5 when he lost a 4-3 overtime game to the Maple Leafs. Lyon made 34 saves on 38 shots.

One of the reasons Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman signed Lyon in the offseason is he played well down the stretch and in the playoffs to help the Florida Panthers last season.