A day after they were humbled 5-1 by the Tampa Bay Lightning and surrendered top spot in the NHL’s Atlantic Division, the Detroit Red Wings made a trio of roster moves, but these changes likely have more to do with the near future than the immediate past.
Defenseman Brian Lashoff, who hasn’t seen game action since Dec. 29, was placed on waivers. Defenseman Xavier Ouellet was assigned to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League and defenseman Alexey Marchenko was recalled from the same club.
While on the surface it might seem puzzling – Ouellet has been mostly solid since being recalled Dec. 31 to replace the injured Jakub Kindl – there is merit to the Detroit way of thinking.
“I think Marchenko has played well in the AHL,… Detroit general manager Ken Holland said. “We need to give Marchenko an opportunity.
“We had the opportunity to look at (right-winger Teemu) Pulkkinen and Ouellet. We might take a look at one or two more kids so we know what we’ve got.…
“They’re all pretty good players.…
With the March 2 NHL trade deadline fast approaching, the Wings need to assess their deep crop of young prospects before determining if they should make a move to bolster their team, especially on the back end.
Marchenko, who played one game for the Wings last season, suffered a setback when he underwent season-ending surgery last February for a high ankle sprain, but that appears to have been nothing more than a blip on the radar and he’s back on top of his game.
“We like Ouellet,… Holland said. “We’re making a switch based on reports from (Grand Rapids coach) Jeff Blashill. I watched Marchenko play twice (during the NHL All-Star break). Marchenko appears to have his game back to where he was last year before getting injured.
“It’s an opportunity to see what Marchenko can do. It’s not a reflection on Ouellet. It’s an opportunity for Marchenko.…
Marchenko’s arrival also gives Detroit a right-handed shooting defenseman for the first time this season and naturally, a chance to see what he can offer before the team makes a decision on whether to go out and deal for a right-hand shot defender from another organization.
“Marchy is a great defensive player, smart guy, right-handed, so I think he’s really good,… said Detroit goalie Petr Mrazek, who played with Marchenko in Grand Rapids. “He’s good defensively. “He’s two-way. I didn’t see him play for a while now but I heard from the guys he tries to be offensive. He can jump in the front and then be back on the D.…
NHL sources indicated the Wings sought to move Lashoff via a deal but could find no trade partners.
Over the next month, don’t be surprised to see other Detroit prospects get a look-see with the big club, including forwards Mitch Callahan and Landon Ferraro and defenseman Ryan Sproul.
It could be to audition for a spot with the Wings, or to showcase some of them for other NHL teams.
On the Rebound Pulled for the second time in four games during Thursday’s loss to Tampa Bay, Mrazek wasn’t fazed and will be right back between the pipes Saturday afternoon as the Wings play host to the New York Islanders at Joe Louis Arena.
“Of course I am not happy with that,… Mrazek said of being hooked from Thursday’s game. “I let in a few goals that I probably shouldn’t have let in and the game changed last night.…
He insisted the performance wouldn’t bother him as he prepares for his next start.
“Sometimes the pucks go in and you don’t know why. You just have to battle,… Mrazek said. “You have to be mentally strong and enjoy it. That’s what I do.
“I’m just going to stay positive and battle hard.…
Detroit coach Mike Babcock chalked it all up to the growing pains of trying to fill the toughest position in hockey at the age of 22.
“He’s got NHL moxie, but his skill level, he’s still got to work at his skill level,… Babcock said. “He’s a pup. He’s a kid. “When you think about it Howie (injured Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard) spent five years in the minors. That’s just the process for goaltending. (Tampa Bay goalie Ben) Bishop, I don’t know how many teams he’s been on (three).
“It’s an impossible position. It’s hard. You’ve got to be rock solid between your ears. So here’s a little adversity. What does he do tomorrow? Let’s watch.…
Tom Waits Tom McCollum, who has allowed just one goal and posted a win in two relief appearances for Mrazek, isn’t alarmed that he won’t get the start Saturday after turning in a shutout third period on Thursday.
“No I don’t think it’s frustrating at all,… McCollum said. “Obviously I’d really like to start. Petr’s a great goalie. He’s been playing well and getting a lot of wins.
“Right now you really have to ride the hot hand and you can’t go wrong with a guy who’s winning games for you.…
McCollum prefers to put the focus on how he is proving capable of playing at the NHL level.
“I think this is definitely something I can build off of,… McCollum said. “I felt good out there (Thursday) and I just need to keep doing that out there every day that I show up at the rink.…
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