It was a family affair on the ice for the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday while they prepared to meet the Carolina Hurricanes at Joe Louis Arena, as forward Landon Ferraro, recalled from AHL Grand Rapids for the game, skated alongside assistant coach Tony Granato.
Ferraro’s dad, former NHLer and current TSN analyst Ray Ferraro, is married to Granato’s sister Cammi, who captained the USA to an Olympic women’s hockey gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Winter Games.
“My dad and stepmom and the kids were down in Tampa when (the Wings) were down there a couple of weeks ago, so when I first saw (Tony), we were just kind of talking about that,… Ferraro said. “Just kind of playing catch-up. I was telling him my five-year-old brother kept me on the phone for about 45 minutes all excited about meeting the guys and getting a puck.
“We just kind of talked family stuff and then once we get on to the ice, it’s right back to business.…
What advice did his stepfather-in-law offer?
“Just make sure I’m skating,… Ferraro said. “That’s pretty much all that’s been said to me.…
The scenario facing the Wings is not unfamiliar to Ferraro. In March of 2014, he was recalled for his NHL stint, playing four games as Detroit battled for a playoff spot.
Back with the big club again, a win by Detroit against the Hurricanes coupled with a regulation-time loss by the Ottawa Senators, who play host to the Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday, would guarantee the Wings a place in the tournament for Lord Stanley’s mug for the 24th consecutive season.
“We just clinched (a playoff spot) in Grand Rapids last weekend and we’ve got a chance to clinch here tonight,… Ferraro said. “It would be a pretty cool feeling doing it in back-to-back games.…
Ferraro, who worked on a line with Luke Glendening and Drew Miller during Tuesday’s game-day skate, has potted 27 goals for the Griffins this season but doesn’t necessarily view himself as an offensive performer.
“I’ve scored quite a bit - but at the same, until the last four games I haven’t played power play all year,… Ferraro said. “I have zero power-play goals.
“I’m on a line that plays against the other team’s top line with (Tomas) Nosek and (Kevin) Porter for the most part and whoever else kind of cycles through on the left side. We’ve been there to make sure we’re good in our end and we kill penalties.…
Enjoying such a strong season, Ferraro tried not to get frustrated as no openings in Detroit emerged for him.
“I think everyone kind of gave up on that this year because the Wings have been so healthy throughout the year,… Ferraro said. “They’ve been fortunate and we have down there as well. It’s a complete flip flop from last year.
“Suddenly, everything started happening and you’ve just got to make sure you’re playing and ready to move when you get the call.…
With four games of NHL experience under his belt, Ferraro figures he’ll be better prepared for the league throws at him this time around.
“It’s different because I understand a little more what’s coming at me,… Ferraro said. “I think the biggest thing is I have a lot more confidence this year.
“The puck’s been going in for me down in Grand Rapids. I feel like I’ve been playing really well. I’m looking forward to getting back in tonight and see if I can help out.…
Lineup Shuffle While Detroit coach Mike Babcock suggested it was a game-time decision whether Ferraro or Daniel Cleary played, it would be a shock if Ferraro didn’t get the call.
Looking to ignite captain Henrik Zetterberg’s offense, Babcock plans to reunite him with Pavel Datsyuk in Tuesday’s game. Darren Helm will also skate on that line.
“I’m going to move him to the wall with Pav tonight and give him an opportunity to free him up a little bit,… Babcock said of Zetterberg, who has one goal in his last 27 games.
The other forward units Tuesday morning consisted of Joakim Andersson with Teemu Pulkkinen and Stephen Weiss and Riley Sheahan with Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar.
The defense remains the same and Jimmy Howard gets the nod in goal.
“He won last time out,… Babcock said of Howard. “He’s our veteran guy. We gave him a time with Jimmy B (goalie coach Jim Bedard) to try and freshen up and get his game set up.
“He went in and won a game in Minny, so the ball’s in his court right here.…
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