They’ve worked overtime as much as any team in the league, but the Detroit Red Wings, who play host to the Vancouver Canucks Friday at Joe Louis Arena, would rather not be asked to put in so much extra time.
“We’d like to win every game in regulation and we’ve had opportunities to,… Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said.
“Would we like to not go to overtime and win in regulation? Yes. But going to overtime is a better alternative than losing in regulation. So you’ve got to look at it every way. I just know this, we’ve got to be a better team today than we were on Monday and you’ve got to continue to grow as a hockey team.…
Like everything else they do, Blashill wants his team to utilize their league-high 13 OT games as a learning tool.
“The way I look at it is how can we grow from all those experiences? We can’t go back and change anything that’s happened. How can we grow from those experiences? If we grow, good for us. If we don’t, shame on us.…
The Wings aren’t the only team being asked to go longer than 60 minutes to acquire two points. They are one of seven NHL teams already into double digits in visits to overtime.
“I saw a stat yesterday that the games are closer than ever,… Blashill said. “That doesn’t surprise me. I think the league is as close as it’s ever been, even compared to last year.
“Some of the teams that were at the bottom last year are way better teams now. I think every night is an absolute, absolute tight battle and it comes down to a little play here and there. We’ve made a lot of our plays in a positive fashion at times during games, we’ve got to continue to make them for complete games and find ways to continue to win.…
Detroit captain Henrik Zetterberg is another who believes the league to be levelling off in terms of parity and thinks that might be playing a role in the increased number of overtime games.
“The league is pretty even now,… Zetterberg said. “If you look at the standings, it's tight everywhere. A lot of games are going to overtime and shootout so that's why a lot of teams get points, and you don't really see that big difference in the standings.…
The Wings will go with the same lineup that faced Buffalo on Monday, except in goal where Jimmy Howard gets the start.
In Consultation Former Red Wing Adam Oates is in Detroit for the weekend to consult with Blashill and his staff.
“I love picking guys’ brains,… Blashill said, pointing to director of player development Jiri Fischer in the far corner of the Detroit dressing room. “I see Jiri Fischer back there. Jiri has challenged my thinking and made me think deeper and greater.
“I like guys who don’t necessarily think like me and if I can pick guys’ brains and people who don’t think like me, it expands my horizon and if I take it all in and spit it out in my own way, I’m a better coach because of it.
“I know Jiri Fischer has made me a way better coach over the years. I hope Adam Oates can also help me become a way better coach.…
Hockey Hall of Famer Oates works today as a roving skills consultant and lists among his clients Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, Zach Parise and Ryan Suter of the Minnesota Wild and Scott Gomez of the St. Louis Blues.
Getting Closer Defenseman Kyle Quincey (ankle surgery) has resumed skating with the team and intends to make the club’s post-Christmas road trip, though he isn’t targeting a specific game as a potential return date.
“The stamina is not where it was when I left but it’s going to come back,… Quincey said. “Just feeling the puck, making passes, I felt real good to be out there again.
“It feels like I’m back in the fold and just seeing your name on the roster for practice was exciting.…
Quincey is being somewhat guarded about his ankle, at least until he feels his strength is back up to a level where he feels comfortable in competing for pucks.
“I’m not really thinking about it, but it’s in the back of your head,… Quincey said. “You’re making sure you’re not … they don’t want me competing but I’m doing all the drills.…
As to returning to game action, he’s not ready to be specific, but it hopeful of sooner rather than later. “Anytime I get on the ice … who knows?… Quincey said. “If things keep going well … it’s up to them when they put me in. For just right now I’m keeping the focus on getting good workouts on the ice every day.…
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