The Winless Wings try again
The Detroit Red Wings are going to try to get their first win of the season against a team they haven't beaten since 2016.
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In fact, the Red Wings haven't won a regular season game against the Tampa Bay Lighting since Nov. 3, 2015. The win in 2016 was a playoff game. Tampa won that series 4 games to 1.
The teams meet for the first time this season on Thursday night in Tampa.
Game time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: FS Detroit
Lightning quick
The Tampa Bay Lightning are again considered a top contender for the Stanley Cup this season. The Lightning (3-1-0) celebrated another victory Tuesday over the Carolina Hurricanes, 4-2. Tyler Johnson scored a hat trick.
The Lightning are a team of speed combined with some of the best defencemen in the league. Why Steve Yzerman left his general manager position before training camp, after spending so many years building them into what they are today, is still kind of a mystery. This team has what it takes to win the Cup.
Red Wings getting put away early
The Red Wings (0-4-2), meanwhile, have been outscored 20-8 over their past three games. They're on the exact opposite side of the spectrum. Don't expect them to keep up with the Lightning for 60 minutes. But if they do, it will be because goalie Jimmy Howard stole the show.
At this point, it's not so much the losing that's frustrating for the Red Wings and their fans. It's the way they are getting blown out and put away before half the game is played. Not good for any team, but especially not good for an organization that is trying to develop young players.
Trevor Daley is back
Veteran defenseman Trevor Daley is expected back in the Red Wings lineup on Thursday. He was out with what he called a "jammed neck."
Red Wings pick up de la Rose
Detroit claimed forward Jacob de la Rose off waivers this week from the Montreal Canadiens. De la Rose, 23, was the 34th overall draft pick in 2013. The Swedish winger appeared in 119 games for Montreal over the past five seasons, but never was able to secure a tenured spot in the lineup.
Svechnikov out 5-6 months
The de la Rose pickup came a day after the team announced forward Evgeny Svechnikov, who was injured in preseason, recently underwent knee surgery and is expected to be out of commission for five to six months.
Don't forget to buy a seat from Joe Louis Arena
Or not. Up to you. But you should know they're on sale for $50.
Upcoming Red Wings schedule:
- 7 p.m. Saturday @ Florida
- 7:30 p.m. Monday vs. Carolina
Red Wings trivia:
I asked this question earlier this week: Who are the four goalies to play in at least 10 seasons with the Red Wings?
Answer: Jimmy Howard, Chris Osgood, Jim Rutherford and Terry Sawchuk
New trivia question: In what season did the Red Wings win an NHL-record 62 regular season games?
AROUND THE LEAGUE
- Goalie Corey Crawford is back for the Chicago Blackhawks, who are looking like a bounce-back team that could be making the playoffs.
- Johnny Gaudreau was roughed up by Charlie McAvoy last night as the Calgary Flames beat the Boston Bruins, 5-2. Gaudreau was forced to leave the game due to concussion protocol, but he seemed OK and actually played for a while until he was told to leave.
- The NHL’s Department of Player Safety handed Florida Panthers defenceman Mike Matheson a two-game ban for his body slamming of Vancouver Canucks rookie Elias Pettersson. Elliotte Friedman calls it a "potential sea-change moment" for the league.
- Connor McDavid is on another level. That is all.
This hockey newsletter is authored by Dave Bartkowiak Jr. He can be contacted at dbartkowiak@wdiv.com or on Twitter @DaveBartko.