Columbus beat Detroit 4-2 in an exhibition game that saw an interesting roster blend. Detroitâs top line (at this point) was there with Larkin, Raymond and Zadina. Other than that it was a mix of AHL bound and depth forwards. Seider played a nice chunk of minutes, but the rest of the blue line was similarly depth and Griffin bound. Tonightâs lineup is, again, a strange mix.
Bertuzzi is in. You can watch his presser up above. The surgeries he and Larkin (correction per Todd - Larkin didnât have surgery, just rehabbed and rested) are recovering from are no joke. Pius Suter and Lucas Raymond are also in. But, Larkin and Zadina are out. Veleno and Berggren will get in some more action and Gagner will be in as well. On Defense, Hronek and Staal are in. Seider gets another go, and then the same mix of AHL and depth. Greiss and Pickard are in net.
I have no idea how this will go. Suter/Raymond/Bertuzzi (assuming thatâs the line) will be interesting to watch. Veleno is skating well, and Gagner really stabilizes his line mates. Otherwise, itâs a bit of the bucket mix again. (If you missed it, this refers to a Bobâs Burgers wine drinking contest where someone poured the spit bucket into two glasses for the tasters?). Itâs some kind of blend, a Merlot and Cabernet perhaps? And then someâŠ.
More than anything, this group has to start on time. I know it was a mishmash, but 2 shots in the first period is inexcusable last night. The final farewells for the Griffins are fast approaching. Usually by this time weâre seeing most of the starting lineup. With one preseason game left after this (Buffalo) I hope Blashill will have the squad together by then. A week from tonight, Detroit opens the season against Tampa.
Pittsburgh had their way with Detroit (as did Chicago and Columbus) in their last game. Hopefully the goalies can lock it down early for the Wings. If not, this could be another glimpse of how thin the organizational depth really is. Essentially, it feels like one NHL line with 9 forwards mixing in from depth and the minors. Defense is about halfway there. Weâll see if anyone steps up.
With one day off before the final preseason contest, some of these players may have to hit waivers before heading down. Weâll see how it all pans out. Enjoy the game tonight, and Iâll post highlights after.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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