No words needed to be spoken. The mood at Joe Louis Arena as the Detroit Red Wings practiced Tuesday was one of a serious, business-like nature.
After turning in perhaps their worst effort of the season in Monday’s 5-2 loss at Boston, the Wings got down to work to repair the error of their ways in time for Wednesday’s traditional New Year’s Eve date at the JLA, this year featuring the New Jersey Devils as opponents.
“We got it handed to us pretty good,… Detroit defenseman Kyle Quincey said. “They out-competed us last night. That can’t really happen. You’re going to lose every night if that happens.
“There are a few things you can control and compete level is one of them. Some teams are more skilled than you and other teams maybe have better goaltending on certain nights, but you can compete as hard or harder than the other team. That’s what you can control. That was message today.…
It was clearly delivered by the Detroit coaching staff during a quick but high-paced practice session.
“It was more intense,… Quincey said. “The message was clear: Our compete level has to be higher and better.…
Detroit coach Mike Babcock’s pre-practice talk with his team got straight to the point, according to his players.
“That we weren’t working hard enough, basically, and that we’re going to work today,… defenseman Jonathan Ericsson explained.
“We were all disappointed with how the last game was, both from the staff and down to our players. Today we tried to get after it a little bit, get the intensity up, get working, because we know we didn’t work hard enough out there, didn’t compete hard enough.
“They out-battled us pretty much from the start of the game until the end. We’ve got to be better.…
The ongoing issue of Detroit’s slow starts was also addressed, though the answer to this problematic situation seems less simple than just getting down to work.
“I don’t know,… Ericsson admitted. “If we knew that we would do it. We’re trying. Everyone is preparing themselves before the game. It’s not from lack of preparing themselves physically or mentally because everyone is doing more now than in the past when I came here.
“We’ve got a strength coach in here making us … he takes pride in making us work out, spending just enough time to get us going, stay fresh. We have nothing to blame it on. I don’t know what it is, but if you guys (media) know it, please tell me.…
Perhaps the Wings should listen to a little Black Eyed Peas (Let’s Get It Started) or for the older players, some Rolling Stones (Start Me Up) prior to Wednesday’s game to emphasize the necessity to get going when the puck first hits the ice.
“I think no one was happy about how we started the game yesterday and also how we started the game in Ottawa,… Detroit captain Henrik Zetterberg said. “I think it's tough to win games in this league if you're having those kinds of starts.
“We have to be better prepared in here and be ready for games and not start playing after 20 minutes or 30 minutes.…
X-Man Back The Wings placed defenseman Jakub Kindl (sprained elbow) on the short-term injured reserve list Tuesday. Kindl skated briefly prior to practice and looked to be struggling while trying to shoot the puck.
The Wings will recall defenseman Xavier Ouellet from AHL Grand Rapids for the third time this season and he will dress Wednesday against the Devils.
Gustavsson Practices Out since separating his shoulder Nov. 5 against the New York Rangers, goaltender Jonas Gustvasson briefly returned to practice Tuesday, but still has no idea of when he might be good to go on a full-time basis.
“No not really,… Gustavsson admitted. “Not that I know of. I take it day by day, week by week and just try to make it heal.
“So far it’s been getting better, maybe not day by day, but at least week by week. I know the last part of it is supposed to be the longest, that’s when the healing process slows down a little bit. But I feel like it’s getting better and I’m staying positive.…
Gustavsson still doesn’t have full use of his injured shoulder, which prohibits any thought of a return to game action.
“It’s not 100 percent range of motion,… Gustavsson said. “I feel like I’m getting stronger there, but I don’t feel I’m where I want to be with my range of motion yet. We’ve got some work to do but it’s going right.…
Being back on the ice with his teammates for the first time was another step in that direction.
“It’s fun to be out there, touch the puck a little bit and be with the guys,… he said. “I’ve been with the goalie coach (Jim Bedard) and a couple of shooters, but this is the first time I actually took part in some drills.
“Even though it was a few shots it was still fun to be part of the team practice for a little bit.…
Football Talk The hiring of Jim Harbaugh as Michigan football coach was the talk of the town Tuesday, even among some in the Red Wings dressing room.
Center Luke Glendening is Michigan alum, while forwards Drew Miller and Justin Abdelkader attended rival Michigan State.
“He's a good pickup for them,… Miller acknowledged. “I think he brings some notoriety. He’s a big-name coach, so more publicity for the Big Ten for sure.
“He's a good NFL coach but being a Spartan, I hope it doesn't work out for them.…
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