Husso Thrives in Red Wings “Blank Slate” Competition

No announcement has made been made that Ville Husso is the winner of the Red Wings competition to be the team’s No. 1 goaltender.

But you can bet Husso feels like he won after posting a 2.28 goals-against average and .931 save percentage in three preseason games. Coming into training camp, Husso hadn’ t played a full NHL game since December.  Injuries undermined his season.

“It was a good summer doing stuff and I feel good to go,” Husso said earlier this week. “I’m confident.”

Over the past week, Husson turned in an impressive 43-save performance to post a 2-1 road win at Pittsburgh aond made 31 stops Saturday in a 3-2 loss at Toronto.

Three-Goalie System

Cam Talbot, signed this summer as an unrestricted free agent, had a better GAA (2.05). However, his .911 save percentage couldn’t match Husso’s work. Alex Lyon, meanwhile, boasted a 2.57 and .903.  All three Detroit goalies showed well in the preaseason. Presumably, coaches will also be factor who each faced and how they looked in practice in determining their status. The season starts on Thursday.

The Red Wings are talking as if they are definitely keeping three goalies, as they did last season.  Regardless of who is designated as the early starter, it seems likely Lalonde will go with the hot goalie as the season progresses.  That’s what happened last season.

In addition to deciding who gets the opening night start, the Red Wings also have to figure out who will play with Sebastian Cossa in Grand Rapids. It was supposed to be NHL veteran Jack Campbell. But he’s in the NHL/NHL Players Association Players Assistance Program.

The Red Wings can go with Carter Gylander in Grand Rapids, but he hasn’t played a pro game yet.  The Red Wings were hoping to pair Cossa with a veteran, preferably with considerable pro experience, who could serve as a mentor.

The Grand Rapids Griffins begin their season Friday at home against the Milwaukee Admirals.