The Daily: Why Preseason Is Important for Red Wings; Noon Scrimmage

A DHN Saturday story established that Derek Lalonde wants to make sure Ville Husso receives enough preseason playing time to shake off the rust. Even though Derek Lalonde wants to look at all of his goalies before deciding on a starter for the Detroit Red Wings opener, he will make sure Husso will play start to finish in at least one preseason game.

He hasn’t played a full game since December. Husso did play one game in February, but only lasted 8:48 minutes before injury forced him to leave.

These preseason games are important to the Red Wings because Lalonde has significant decisions to make about line combinations, goalie usage and which rookies will make the team. Everything matters when you are trying to land one of 16 playoff spots in a 32-team league.

“So it’s going to be a little bit of all of that,” Lalonde said. “We probably want to see some lines together, especially talking about how fluid it might be. We want to see some special teams together, but at the same time we want to give a really good luck and we want to see those young players. So there’s going to be all of that going on. It gets a little complicated…And obviously we want to play our young guys a lot.”

That approach starts at noon today when the Red Wings host the annual Red and White Intrasquad game at noon today. These are important opportunities for players like Marco Kasper or Nate Danielson to make their case to earn a spot on the roster.

Lucas Raymond on the mic! 🎤 pic.twitter.com/MC1MJ1XLtn

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 21, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff believes this season’s top six forwards could deliver 165 goals this season with the addition of Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane playing a full season. That would be a 12-goal improvement over last season.

The Red Wings are looking to add toughness to the lineup and that could mean Austin Watson or Isaac Ratcliffe have a shot at making the team as a PTO.

Behind the Paywall: DHN explores defenseman Albert Johansson‘s potential to crack the Red Wings’ top six. He may have to battle his way into a playing spot even if he makes the roster. It’s a crowded field. To buy a yearly subscription to our paywall stories, click here.

Red Wings Extra

Now healthy enough to play, Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka scored his first goal in Skelleftea’s first Swedish Hockey League game this season. It was the only goal of the game for the injury-riddled Skellftea squad. Malmo was a 4-1 winner in the game

Did Axel Sandin-Pellikka score the his and Skellefteå's first goal of the season?

Of course he did!

Mr. Automatic from that spot.#LGRW pic.twitter.com/XgXxmFT11F

— Lars Thorsell (@LarsThorsell) September 21, 2024

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: The Blackhawks’ expectations for Lukas Reichel are extremely high. Chicago Blackhawks.

Montreal: The Canadiens have some complications to address before finalizing their roster. Montreal Canadiens.

New Jersey: James Nichols writes a paywall story on why Tomas Tatar will be even better in his second tour of duty with the Devils. He played for the Seattle Kraken last season. New Jersey Devils.

New York Islanders: A one- on-one interview with with Indiana native prospect Aidan Fulp, a defenseman, who is drawing attention in training camp. He’s a bruising defender. New York Islanders.

Pittsburgh: Jesse Puljujarvi netted a hat trick in first Penguins preseason game. Coach Mike Sullivan was impressed. Pittsburgh Penguins.