The Detroit Red Wings really, really want to play eight preseason games.
The Red Wings had to postpone Saturday night’s preseason game against the Pittsburgh Penguins because of their opponent’s flight issues heading to Detroit. But instead of outright canceling one of their eight preseason games, the Red Wings are going the extra mile to make sure they play it.
Detroit will now play a split squad double-header Monday, Sept. 30. One group will play the postponed game against the Penguins, while the other group will travel to Buffalo to play the Sabres. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m.
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Playing the game is a solid gesture to fans who bought tickets to the Penguins game, but the move also shows how much Detroit values these preseason reps. Clearly, the Red Wings don’t want to lose these opportunities.
“I like the luxury,” Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde said Thursday of the long preseason schedule. “Coming into this two, three years ago when I took over here, I thought eight was excessive. Coming from Tampa, we would play in between four or five (games). But I have found it extremely beneficial, especially just implementing some of our young guys into our system.”
Reps are needed to acclimate new additions, establish chemistry and conditioning for players and work out all the potential goaltenders. That last part is especially important with a three-goalie battle for the starting job, where every period available gives a data point to evaluate who might play one of the most important positions on the ice.
Even if it takes playing two games in one day, splitting the squad and coaching staff in the process, Lalonde and his staff are willing to do so to preserve their eight game preseason.
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