Red Wings Host Caulfield & the Canadiens in the season opener

Detroit looks to slow down the Canadiens as they roll into LCA after an impressive OT win against Toronto to end the exhibition season. Leading up to opening night, Coach Lalonde had some decisions to make regarding the Red Wings lineup.

Yesterday Lalonde announced the lineup leaving Fillip Zadina along with Pius Suter as healthy scratches for opening night. Although this may come as a surprise with both of these skaters having played tremendous hockey through the pre-season and training.

Ultimately, I believe this speaks volumes to the depth of this roster and how every spot must be earned. In addition, this will be a great opportunity for Zadina to step up and prove his worth to this franchise.

Soderblom Makes His Red Wings Debut

Elmer Soderblom will make his NHL debut tonight in front of the home crowd at LCA. Elmer will be on the 3rd line alongside Michael Rasmussen and Oskar Sundqvist to form what will be a HUGE line.

It should be noted Sundqvist will be the smallest of the forwards, coming in at 6’3 220 pounds.  In addition, the size along with physical ability of this line could be a mismatch for all teams.

The potential for these 3 is endless, it will really come down to staying true to their gritty play style.

Gentry’s Skater To Watch

My skater to watch tonight will be Captain Dylan Larkin.

Larkin has had high expectations since training camp for this team moving into this season, as he should. He believes with the surrounding talent this Red Wings team could make a spark and be in playoff contention.

Dylan will return alongside Tyler Bertuzzi and rising stars Mo’ Seider and Lucas Raymond for Year 2.

The bond between these four players is strong on and off the ice. That chemistry is something we have not seen from the Wings in quite sometime. With Dylan nearing his contract extension, I full expect this line to come out firing, meanwhile Larkin having his best season yet.

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