The Daily: It’s Talbot or Bust for Red Wings; Watson Recalled

Cam Talbot will make his sixth consecutive appearance in goal tonight when his Detroit Red Wings play a pivotable road game against the Montreal Canadiens.

He has earned the confidence the Red Wings now have in him.

Coach Todd McLellan coached Talbot in Edmonton and Los Angeles, and he trusts him in big games. Talbot has rewarded that trust by playing his best hockey this season when the Red Wings needed it most. In his last five outings, Talbot is 3-1-1 with a 1.72 goals-against average and .945 save percentage. Talbot clearly owns Detroit’s net until the team’s destiny is decided.

“Again, my experience with him, when he gets on a roll and gets playing, get him the rest he needs, make sure he feels good, put him back in,” McLellan said. “We believe he can keep doing it. He’s been excellent. He’s made some real big saves, but some of the games haven’t been 40, 45 shots a night. We’ve been fortunate enough to keep the numbers 30 and under and not a lot of action on the power play where it can really get hectic and quick.”

The Red Wings called up tough guy Austin Watson for tonight’s game. He has had a quality season playing for Grand Rapids, and eight games for the Red Wings. GM Steve Yzerman has already given him a contract for next season.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Former Red Wings goalie Greg Millen has died at age 67. He played one season for Detroit in 1991-92.

Bob Duff writes that neither Alex Ovechkin or Wayne Gretzky is the all-time goals leader. It’s actually Detroit legend Gordie Howe. He believes Howe’s WHA goals should count.

Nate Danielson had six points in two games last week. How close is he to being ready for the Red Wings?

Red Wings Extra

To have even a long-shot hope of qualifying for the playoffs, the Red Wings have to win tonight’s road game against the Montreal Canadiens (7 p.m. FanDuel Sports Network). If the Red Wings win, they would be four points back with five games remaining. Montreal will only have four games remaining.  If Detroit runs the table, it could reach 91 points. If the Habs lose tonight, their best is 93 points.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Andrew Fantucchio writes that David Pastrnak has made an awful Bruins season better than it could have been. Boston Bruins.

Florida: Noted Panthers writer George Richards writes that despite rumors to the contrary, the Panthers are not tanking to get a matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Florida Panthers.

San Jose: Nikolai Kovalenko is an honest player in more ways than one. San Jose Sharks. 

Vegas: Victor Olofsson’s resurgence will give the Golden Knights a good problem to have after Tomas Hertl returned from injury. Vegas Golden Knights.