Red Wings Notebook: Detroit Players Deferring to Kane

Yes, Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde is noticing that his players, especially the younger ones, are deferring to Patrick Kane when in the attacking zone. They’re preferring to dish off to the former Art Ross and Hart Trophy winner with more than 400 goals and 1000 points. Even though in many cases, they’re the ones who are better positioned to create a quality scoring chance.

“When we have a free shot, or we have some simple offense, we end up trying to give it to him,” Lalonde said. “It gets us a little out of sorts.”

No, Lalonde is not at all surprised that this is happening.

“I guess it’s human nature a little bit,” Lalonde said. “I think we’ll get a little more comfortable in time, because I don’t think he needs it.”

Pyotr Kochetkov nearly gets a primary assist on a could-have-been go-ahead goal by Patrick Kane, but the #Canes netminder recovers in time.

The reaction from fellow former netminder @KevinWeekes is gold. 😂 pic.twitter.com/bv5pUzAwD5

— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) December 15, 2023

He figures that it will be a short-term malady.

“We expected that,” Lalonde said.

As his team grows accustomed to having a future Hall of Famer on their side, he’s certain that they’ll be making Kane part of their offensive scheme, rather than trying to force him into the role of the focal point of every attack.

Milestone For Red Wings Rasmussen

It was an historic marker for Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen. It also might’ve been the prettiest goal he’s ever scored while wearing the winged wheel.

Scoring Detroit’s only goal of Thursday’s 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, Rasmussen put a quick wrist over the glove of Hurricanes goalie Pyotr Kochetkov and into the top shelf of the net. It was his 100th NHL point.

The shot! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/44Pod6BwwO

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

“It was cool,” Rasmussen said. “I actually didn’t know, wasn’t fully aware that it was the 100th point but it’s cool.”

Rasmussen has tallied eight points (5-3-8) in seven games since Dec. 2 at Montréal.

Ice Chips

Jonatan Berggren drew an assist on Rasmussen’s goal for his third point in as many games since his recall from AHL Grand Rapids (2-1-3). Berggren has four points (2-2-4) in his last five NHL games dating back to Nov. 29 against the New York Rangers . . . Detroit forward Andrew Copp has dished out seven assists in nine games since Nov. 29 against the Rangers . . . The Red Wings have allowed two goals or fewer in five of their last six home games against Carolina . . .  In Thursday’s loss, defenseman Jake Walman led all Red Wings skaters in blocked shots (5) and hits (3).