The Daily: Can Alex Lyon Be a No. 1?; Boston Bruins Trade Talk

Friday’s Detroit Hockey Now’s story on goaltender Alex Lyon illustrates the healthy amount of patience and perspective that he has developed since turning pro seven years ago. He comes across as a man with the right blend of confidence and humility. But does he have what it takes to steal the net away from Ville Husso?

Lyon (4-1, 1.61 goals-against averaged) proved late last season that he can carry a team for a short period. He was one of the main reasons why the Florida Panthers earned enough points down the stretch to earn the final Eastern Conference postseason berth. Lyon was 9-4-2 for the Panthers with a .914 save percentage and 2.82 goals-against average.

The Red Wings’ collapse against the San Jose Sharks Thursday was not solely Ville Husso’s fault. The team’s defensive play resulted in too many San Jose scoring Grade A scoring chances.

But Husso’s numbers going back to late last season rank him near the bottom of the league’s goaltenders.  This season, Icydata.com ranks 77 goalies with advanced stats and Husso is 75th with a GSAA (Goals Saved Against Average) of -7.49. A positive number shows the number of goals the goalie has prevented over an average goalie. Only Seattle’s Philipp Grubauer and New Jersey’s Vitek Vanecek rank below him in that category.

Fun Fact Friday

History shows the Red Wings make the playoffs each year when they win at least 14 of their first 25 games 🐙#LGRW pic.twitter.com/mpEnAHT5dH

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) December 8, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Patrick Kane laments his missed opportunity to be a hero in his Red Wings’ debut.
• The Red Wings top prospects are living up to expectations all over the world.
• Detroit’s collapse against the San Jose Sharks isn’t all on Ville Husso. Detroit’s defensive play was disastrous.

Red Wings Next Game

Captain Dylan Larkin’s Red Wings are home today to play the Ottawa Senators (7 p.m.). The two teams have split two games this season. Joonas Korpisalo should start in net for the Senators. He signed (five years, $20 million) with the Senators last summer with the hope he could help them become a playoff team. But he hasn’t been the answer thus far. Korpisalo is 5-6 with a 3.41 goals-against average and .897 save percentage. He has lost his last two starts, giving up nine goals in the two games against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers. The Senators are missing defenseman Thomas Chabot who is out with an injury.

Hockey Now Network:

Boston: The Boston Bruins may be looking at trade options on defense that are less costly than Calgary’s Noah Hanifin. Also, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery says Charlie McAvoy is day to day with his undisclosed injury.

Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks have the need for speed and want Kevin Korchinski to fill that void. Chicago Blackhawks.

Philadelphia: Could the Philadelphia Flyers land a first-round pick in exchange for defenseman Sean Walker? Hockey insider says it’s possible.

Pittsburgh:  Dan Kingerski writes that the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ plan isn’t working: it’s time for Kyle Dubas to take action.

San Jose: Defenseman Mario Ferraro says he wants to stay with the San Jose Sharks because he has “unfinished business” there.

Vegas: Chris Gawlik writes about what next season’s salary cap increase of more than $4 million will mean to the Vegas Golden Knights.