Three Takeaways from Red Wings Preseason Finale Loss to Maple Leafs

Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys taking this journey of discovery together with me. So here we go again… At long last, preseason is officially complete for Detroit Red Wings fans. Their eighth and final preseason game took place Saturday night against Toronto Maple Leafs with them losing by three goals (3-2). Toronto used this contest as dress rehearsal for their NHL lineup while Detroit focused more on developing its third line as its most impressive line in this match-up. Still, this game gave a good, preliminary snapshot into some aspects of Red Wings organization that may influence them as we head into their season. Here are three takeaways as the preseason comes to a close:Oct 1, 2024 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA // Detroit Red Wings center Nate Danielson is shown here celebrating with defenseman Albert Johansson (20) after scoring against Pittsburgh Penguins during third period at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America on Oct 1, 2024. Detroit won 2-1.Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesThe Toronto Maple Leafs are not known for being especially physical players on the ice, yet in Saturday’s matchup they outmuscled some younger Red Wings players in terms of physical play and overpowered some younger Red Wings players in physical areas of play. Nate Danielson showed that need for Size may exist among many of his opponents from Detroit Red Wings as Toronto outmuscled many young Red Wings who weren’t prepared physically against more physical Leafs players despite Detroit victory by scoring first on two shots on goal in overtime! Nate Danielson was among those whose presence caught many off guard: 20-year-old center Nate Danielson showcased many NHL-ready attributes during training camp and preseason play. Even at 6′-2 and 187 pounds, Danielson doesn’t rely on physicality to win game; rather he outwits opponents and capitalizes on mistakes more effectively than his counterparts. However, against the Maple Leafs Danielson was given several opportunities to add muscle. Perhaps most notably was near midway through the first period, when Leafs forward Steven Lorentz outmuscled and outhustled Danielson during a defensive zone board battle in front of Danielson’s net. Lorentz attempted to take away Danielson’s puck, but Danielson managed to push it deeper in his zone in hopes that Eemil Viro might collect it and secure a victory for himself and team. At first, Viro blocked Ryan Reaves with her body check; when the puck ended up near their net it found Lorentz who scored off of an offensive hit from Danielson a minute later for what is essentially an everyday play in NHL; Danielson must possess sufficient size to prevent that play from turning into an open goal opportunity for Lorentz and Lorentz to score their equalizing goal. This play may sound surprising but in NHL it can happen so often without even the slightest warning; Danielson must possess sufficient size in order to stop such situations from turning into goals! Danielson had an identical play in the second period when Matthew Knies hit him hard from behind, forcing Detroit defenseman William Wallinder into taking a penalty trying to stop them. If Danielson were slightly larger he might have withstood Lorentz’s checking or at least recovered quickly enough to mark his man. Danielson will need to hold his own physically as he navigates centering duties this season, which was addressed earlier during preseason on Sept 26 when center Andrew Copp discussed ways young prospects must add size in their game in order to transition smoothly into NHL play. Copp noted, on this front, “it really depends on who it’s being used by; for some guys it makes no difference while others it could make all of a difference; there’s super strong 180 pounders who may need help being moved around as opposed to more pushable 210-pounders who might require pushing around more.” “Copp’s analysis indicated that in Danielson’s case specifically, an increase from 180 pounds to 195 may not make much of an impactful physical difference but could assist him with injury prevention efforts. Danielson demonstrated on Saturday against the Maple Leafs just how his lack of comparative size could be exploited to his advantage. Playing his inaugural professional hockey season — likely beginning with Grand Rapids — will enable Danielson to learn how to dominate these physical battles more successfully. Danielson understands this is part of life – taking time for prospects’ size to catch up to their skill is often an ongoing battle for them. As Michael Brandsegg-Nygard inches closer and closer towards NHL action, it will be important to keep an eye out. On October 1st in Pittsburgh PA at PPG Paints Arena during their match up versus Pittsburgh Penguins during second period at PPG Paints Arena Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images When Michael Brandsegg-Nygard first entered NHL training camp it did not demonstrate his immense talent as expected by many experts and analysts. However this first NHL training camp did not prove stellar either and was left disappointed after initially promising starts despite several performances against Pittsburgh Penguins right winger Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Credit Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit and Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit and Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Red Wings 2024 first-round pick Michael Brandsegg-Nygard demonstrated some talent throughout. Unfortunately his initial training camp experience wasn’t impressive and this wasn’t apparent either! Luckily though his Red Wings 2024 training camp wasn’t necessarily expected either! However, his NHL trial proved both beneficial and insightful as an indicator of where Brandsegg-Nygard stands heading into his draft-plus-1 season. Now the important decision lies ahead – should Brandsegg-Nygard return home and play for Skelleftea or remain North America to join Grand Rapids Griffins? Although opinions will likely differ regarding either decision, both options offer their own set of benefits that make their choice irrefutably compelling. Brandsegg-Nygard can hone his skills while competing in much more favourable competition in Skelleftea. Grand Rapids gives him a much more conducive environment in which to develop these skills with teammates and opponents more closely aligned to NHL standards, potentially placing him closer to NHL readiness by this time next year. Saturday’s game offered interesting data points following what had otherwise been an uneventful preseason campaign for Brandsegg-Nygard. He was heavily relied upon for his shot, particularly on one power play when he attempted five shots (two missed, one hit the post and two were saved by Toronto goaltender Joseph Woll.). Brandsegg-Nygard needs to focus on improving his lean when shooting; one clear indicator was in his first sequence in power play sequences. Brandsegg-Nygard was brought out on a 5-on-3 advantage shift for Toronto Maple Leafs and shortly into his shift, the puck found its way directly to his point for him to control it with most players remaining within their structures. As soon as he knew what had occurred, Brandsegg-Nygard had three options at his disposal. First was passing back to Albert Johansson on the opposite side of the point to restart play; or passing to Jonatan Berggren unmarked at goal line who nearly scored earlier; thirdly was shooting it himself hoping that either tipping, rebounding or other unpredictable circumstances may create scoring chances for himself or someone else. He chose door three, coasting deeper into the zone before firing an 82 mile-per-hour shot straight at goaltender Joseph Woll. While not an inherently bad play, Brandsegg-Nygard revealed one flaw in his game when faced with uncertainty: when in doubt he tends to lean heavily on one shot instead of getting creative when facing off against an NHL defense prepared for that level of shot. For Brandsegg-Nygard this mental aspect would benefit greatly from playing in AHL where coaches could develop his decision-making processes through film analysis of films as well as reps against stronger opponents through film analysis of film footage as well as direct coaching from experienced AHL coaches to develop Brandsegg-Nygard as his play could help his overall game immensely when facing stronger NHL defensemen through film analysis of films as well as playback reps against better opponents like better defensemen through film analysis of film footage against better defenders than what NHL does now does for NHLers just getting going when getting going forward by taking off an off ice s’o a little too often relies on that shot instead of creating something creatively inventive. That mental side is something coaches could develop with film analysis of game play against more skilled defenders over time in AHL coaches developing his decision-making processes through film reviews against better opponents through film analysis as reps against better defenseman. Brandsegg-Nygard needs to find his ideal environment and league in which to play; while the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) could provide that environment, taking into account comfort zones like shooting when uncertain rather than NHL standards; which won’t translate as effectively over to NHL play. Among many considerations for his decision of where and when he will compete this decision should not be underestimated as being essential to Brandsegg-Nygard’s decision making process. After this game against the Maple Leafs, however, I found myself dwelling on this particular aspect:outmatched by NHL Leafs; Depth-Driven Wings Struggle to Create OffenseJust 26 seconds into the second period, Brogan Rafferty of Detroit fired a wrist shot towards Joseph Woll aimed towards Joseph Rafferty of Toronto – striking only thin air as his shot went through Joseph Woll’s body guard’s shield and landing harmlessly into Joseph Woll’s net. Detroit Red Wings forward Rafferty would fire one and only shot on goal during this preseason period for Detroit; starting an in-game drought lasting 28 minutes. Given Detroit was comprised of bottom-six/AHL members as opposed to Toronto’s star players, and this result was far from inspiring; Detroit allowed 17-1 shots over this entire contest from Rafferty’s shot until midway through third period when an unexpected goal broke the drought and ended it all together. Detroit had several advantages but still struggled to generate shots when on power plays – on two of five power plays they managed no shots at all! DetroitPlayers were often trapped within their own zone and struggled to break out and transition cleanly to neutral territory. Natural Stat Trick tracked 12 extra long shifts throughout the game that trapped players on the ice and significantly extended shift times. While tired legs struggled with constant rainfall, Red Wings players found it challenging to find their offensive footing against this relentless onslaught. Once more it must be stressed that this preseason game merely sets a baseline. Toronto used an overwhelming roster presence against an opponent consisting of all those players that didn’t participate in Friday’s dress rehearsal for Detroit. But the game featured enough NHL roster players – such as Andrew Copp, Joe Veleno, Michael Rasmussen, Christian Fischer and Jonatan Berggren from the forward corps – that its result was troubling. Being outplayed is one thing; being completely overwhelmed is another matter entirely. Beating yourself so badly you are unable to register even one shot on goal for over one period is another form of misery for Detroit heading into their regular season schedule – as is true for each NHL club. But as far as inspiring performances go, this finale wasn’t one.According to THN Detroit: Multitude of Roster Moves Deplete Red Wings Roster to 41; Role Versatility Puts NHL within Reach for Red Wings Top ProspectsRed Wings-Maple Leafs Lineups & Where to WatchRed Wings-Maple Leafs Game Three Takeaways from Their Loss against OttawaRed Wings’ Jack Campbell Joins Player Assistance Program Three Key Takeaways From Red Wings Loss against Toronto Maple Leafs Pre Season Check-In Episode 41 Pre Season Check-In: The Silky Mitten State State Episode 41 Pre-Season Check-In with The Silky Mitten State Episode 41 Pre Season Check-In with The Silky Mitten State Episode 41 Pre Season Check In with Episode 41 from Detroit Tigers Playoff Run What the Detroit Red Wings Can Learn From Detroit Tigers Playoff RunPre Season Check-In with The Silky Mitten State Episode 41 Pre Season Check-In Episode 41 Pre Season Check In Episode 41 Pre Season Check In With Silky Mitten State Episode 41 pre season Check In with Silky Mitten State 41 pre Season Check In 43 Pre Season Check In Episode 43 Pre Season Check In With Silky Mitten State 44 Pre Season Check In 43 Pre Season Check In with Silky Mitten State episode 41 Pre Season 43 Pre Season 43 Pre Season 44Pre Season Check In 41 Pre Season 46 Pre Season 48Light 50’s Tiger Playoff Run PreSea Season Check In Part 47Pre Season 44 Pre Season 48Van Episode 44 Pre Season 49 Episode 43 and 49 Pre Sesea Season Check in Detroit Tigers 41 episode 44 The Silky Mitten State 41 This Silky Mitten State Check In 41 Pre Season 41 Pre Season 49 PreSea Season Check 41 41 Silky Mitten State 42 The Silky Mitten State 41 Episode 46 The Silky Mitten State 47 Check In Episode 44 47 This Week 51 PreSeaS 44 Check In Detroit Tigers Playoff Run Pre Season 41 Pre 88 51 Episode 44 Pre v. 41 Episode 44 44! 51 Check In Episode 45 Silky Mitten 44 55 Premier 41 Check In Detroit Tiger Tiger Tiger Play Off Run Pre Season Check in.41 This Week 41 pre Season Check in 41 Pre PlayOff 41 442 This Saturday 42 Pre Season CheckIn Episode. 41 It…………………………….. 71……….. 41……….. 41 Pre Season Check… Episode 51 This!. 41 Tunn State Play Off 51 Pre Season 42 Pre Season Check………………. 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