The Red Wings Shine in Opener

Detroit went to down to Pittsburgh and dominated in what was presumed to be a lopsided matchup in favor of the Penguins. I mentioned yesterday that Pittsburgh put out a fairly difficult line up for the first game of preseason, which ultimately scared me a bit.

Shockingly, Detroit outplayed Pittsburgh the full 60 minutes and came out with the win in dominant fashion. The Penguins started quick, scoring only 2 minutes into the game, but the Red Wings responded by putting up 4 unanswered goals before Bryan Rust scored in the second to make it 4-2. Detroit finished the game with goals by both Tyler Spezia and Dominik Kubalik to seal the deal on a hell of a preseason performance.

New Kid On The Block

Last night, we got to see a glimpse into the “Yzerplan”. Newly acquired free agent Kubalik showed out in his first game in the winged wheel. Kubalik was easily one of the most impressive players on the ice last night, as his offensive ability will be a plus for the lower lines that struggled last season to find the net. Additions like this just speak to the direction Yzerman is taking this team, making quality moves, setting up this team for the future. 

Fillip Zadina Watch

Zadina was my player to watch going into last night’s matchup, and he did nothing short of deliver. This is just the start for the former 7th overall pick. Filip got some reassurance from the Red Wings over the off-season with his contract extension.

Although it was only a preseason game, you can tell a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. Zadina has had some struggles in past years, but his ability to put the puck in the net along with his power-player upside leaves me to believe Fillip will bounce back better than ever this year.

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