The Detroit Red Wings will continue preparations for the upcoming 2022-23 season with a preseason road game on Saturday night against the Chicago Blackhawks from the United Center.
Puck drop is set for 8:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. CT, and the game will be televised on NHL Network and streamed on DetroitRedWings.com. Red Wings goalies Ville Husso and Victor Brattstrom shared the crease on Friday night, combining for 29 saves, but Detroit was able to muster just 19 shots on goal in an eventual 2-0 loss to the visiting Washington Capitals. "They made probably one play more than us," Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde said after the game. "We probably had some inexperience and some rookies lost in coverage on that goal against, which is good. I think those kids have to experience those things. It's part of them growing." Tweet from @carleykjohnston: Coach Lalonde turned the blender on. Kubalik up with Larkin, moved Larkin and Raymond away from each other. Wants to get some different looks at lineups #LGRW Lalonde said for players like Elmer Soderblom, who played his third game in four nights on Friday, navigating an eight-game preseason schedule is an important learning opportunity. "That's a hard ask of him and I think he's done pretty well," Lalonde said. "You can see some tired in his game at times. He was involved in the goal-against, but these are all experiences that are valuable to go through." Heading into their second exhibition matchup against the Blackhawks, Lalonde said he is seeing signs that the Red Wings are "playing more responsible hockey."
Sebastian Cossa and Alex Nedeljkovic splitting time tonight in Chicago #LGRW@DetroitRedWings
"That mentality of playing on our toes and being aggressive, there's been a huge buy-in to it," Lalonde said. "It's a step in the right direction." Chicago defeated Detroit, 4-2, on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena. Adam Erne scored twice for the Red Wings, who allowed two unanswered third-period goals.
Bertuzzi close to returning
After Saturday's morning skate at the BELFOR Training Center, Lalonde said Tyler Bertuzzi is close to returning. "He's still day-to-day," Lalonde said. "But obviously very close. If this was a regular-season game, you'd probably see him tonight. We hope to see him on Monday."
