The Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins meet for the second time this preseason, this time with a little bit different of a look for both teams.
For the Red Wings:
The game will mark Tyler Bertuzzi’s first appearance in the exhibition lineup and he’ll be joined by the likes of Jonatan Berggren, Joe Veleno, Taro Hirose, Pius Suter, and Lucas Raymond.
Moritz Seider will also play tonight.
Red Wings to Watch Tonight
Givani Smith had an outstanding shift that resulted in Detroit’s second goal. It was the young forward’s best shift of the game, and of the preseason. Smith also looked more active in the game, and he’ll certainly want to build on that tonight as roster spots continue to trim down.
Seider was roasted by some on social media after Patrik Laine made showcased his word class skill to score a goal for Columbus. It was foolish. Not only will Seider be fine, it’s ridiculous to even put that much stock in the play. If it was happening consistently, yes, there’s an argument. But Seider will learn from it, and certainly reverse the fortune another time.
Raymond has a chance to seal off any remaining doubts with a strong game tonight. In spite of being kept off the scoresheet, Raymond was still making plays happen in Detroit’s 4-2 loss last night. Another great showing should make the decision pretty easy for head coach Jeff Blashill.
But eyes will certainly be on Tyler Bertuzzi, who either rankled or revered for his decision on not taking the COVID vaccine. All systems are go tonight for the gritty forward, who certainly brings his snarl and scoring back to the lineup. It’s a boon to have him in the lineup.
But the watch on him will be for two aspects: On the ice, will he still play that physical, often reckless (to his body) style of hockey that pushes the play and has contributed to many Red Wings goals. But the second thing many will be watching will be what Yzerman will do. No matter what is said, there are a number of fans who either want him traded or think he’s going to be auditioned for other teams.
Regardless, tonight will give us our first clue as to how Bertuzzi has progressed since he last played a competitive game against an opponent.