The Detroit Red Wings embarked on their second-to-last week with a new look in the lineup.
The highlight of their Tuesday outing against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena was Joe Veleno making his debut. He created a stellar scoring chance in the third period, but the Wings ended up losing 1-0 in a shootout to the only team trailing them in the Central Division
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Veleno debuts
It was a big deal that Joe Veleno was in the lineup. It was the first game for the 2018 first-round pick, who former GM Ken Holland selected at 30th overall with a pick earned from trading Tomas Tatar to the Vegas Golden Knights. Veleno, 21, arrived in Detroit on April 11 and spent a week in quarantine. The Wings loaned him to Malmo in the Swedish Hockey League in October. Veleno recorded 20 points in 46 games, and garnered experience playing both wing and center. He started Tuesday at center between veterans Richard Panik and Sam Gagner.
Wings challenge
Blue Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstrand put the puck behind Thomas Greiss less than two minutes into the game, but the Wings successfully challenged an offsides, as Eric Robinson preceded the puck into Detroit’s zone. That was a significant break for the Wings, returning the score to 0-0.
Greiss makes good
Greiss made 16 saves through two periods, then added 17 in the final period and overtime. It was another good outing for Greiss, who delivered 43 saves Thursday against Dallas. Greiss struggled through February and March, but his solid play in April builds confidence for the organization as GM Steve Yzerman makes plans for the off-season.