The Daily: Red Wings Kane Needs Outdoor Win; NHL Rumors

COLUMBUS —  The Detroit Red Wings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets outdoor game today is so critical to the teams’ playoff aspirations that they almost have to treat it like a playoff game.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate the romance of tonight’s Stadium Series contest.

Coach Todd McLellan was touched by seeing Patrick Kane out on the rink with his father Pat and son Patrick.

“That’s special,” McLellan said. “The generations that are out there. I met Mr. Kane…then he’s got his little guy out there. That’s three generations of Kanes. The little one is trying to learn how to skate, Patty’s going to the Hall of Fame and his dad is a hockey parent. His dad and mom gave him everything he needed.”

This will be Kane’s seventh outdoor game. Columbus player James van Riemsdyk is playing in his eighth. That will be the NHL record.

Being on the rink never gets old for Kane who has long had reputation of being a rink rat.

“It’s cool. I remember the first time I took him on
the ice and skated with him,”  Patrick said “Everyone’s like, ‘watch, watch’… Bending over so much and picking him up. And I didn’t think anything
other than the next day, my lower back was in pain. So I kind
of let (partner) Amanda do all the work today and just sit back and enjoy just
being out there with Amanda and Patrick and my sisters as well. That’s the cool part about these events. You know, it’s an
important game. It’s a fun atmosphere. Ties in with the
Michigan -Ohio State rivalry, too, and you can enjoy your family.”

As sentimental as as the game is for the Kane family, the NHL Kane has not lost the importance of the game. He’s 1-5 in previous outdoor games with the Chicago Blackhawks. He needs this win.

“Obviously, this one, it has a lot at stake to it, especially with them
coming into our building (Thursday) and taking two points from us,” Kane said. “We’d like to do the same to them here in Columbus.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Detroit captain Dylan Larkin agreed with coach Todd McLellan’s analysis of his play in Thursday’s loss to Columbus.

McLellan wishes some of Alex DeBrincat‘s feisty competitiveness would rub off on  some of his teammates.

Detroit’s Goals-Against Average has been bloated in recent games. The Red Wings have given up four or more goals in five of the last six. What’s up?

Red Wings Extra

The franchise will be making its fifth appearance in an official NHL outdoor game when the Red Wings play the Columbus Blue Jackets in a Stadium Series game at Ohio Stadium (6 p.m., ESPN). The Red Wings are 2-0-2 in outdoor games in their history. This is the Blue Jackets’ first outdoor game. Only the Florida Panthers and the Utah Hockey Club (previously the Arizona Coyotes) have yet to play in an outdoor game.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Defenseman Seth Jones may want out of Chicago, but general manager Kyle Davidson holds all of the cards. Chicago Blackhawks.

Florida: The Calgary Flames are in town. That means the Panthers are reuniting with former teammate Ryan Lomberg. Florida Panthers.  

New Jersey: Take this to the bank: the Devils are going to acquire a center at the NHL trade deadl.ine. New Jersey Devils. 

Philadelphia: The Flyers seem ready to say goodbye to Scott Laughton. William James looks at his situation.  Philadelphia Flyers

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski looks at four possible landing spots for Erik Karlsson. One of his picks might surprise you. Pittsburgh Penguins.