Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings are set to face the Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena on Monday night as part of their ongoing preseason schedule. The game will begin at 7 p.m., with coverage available on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit and the Red Wings Radio Network.

Detroit head coach Todd McLellan commented on the team’s progress through the first four preseason games, saying, “We’ve had four games and we’ve been able to assess a lot of our players in those games. We’ve just played people, tried to fill up rosters. Some rosters were a little weak and some were stronger, but the opportunity to evaluate has existed. That’ll happen for a couple more games, then we’ll get down to what we need to get down to.”

The Red Wings are looking to recover after a 5-2 loss against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on Saturday. Alex DeBrincat contributed assists on both goals scored by Patrick Kane and Marco Kasper.

Reflecting on that game, McLellan said, “I thought [the Sabres] had a good lineup. Tested some of our players, much more skill in the game and better execution all over the place. There, we gave up goals in situations we really haven’t worked on – two face-off goals – so if we can clean some of that up as far as coverages go. I thought offensively, we created. The [Kane-Kasper-DeBrincat line] did most of the creating. That’s a really good sign.”

Detroit’s training camp roster currently includes 50 players with both veterans and younger prospects competing for roster spots ahead of Opening Night decisions. Among those making an impression is Emmitt Finnie, who skated with captain Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond during Monday’s morning session.

McLellan noted there is still significant evaluation ahead: “We’re not just going to give individuals a job,” he said. “Emmitt has earned his keep thus far, but there are others that are pushing too now, and then it’s beginning to get weeded out. When I say weeded out, it doesn’t mean that individuals that don’t start here will never play here. They just need a little bit of time and some experience, so that’s really important for those players eventually to understand. Emmit could be one of those guys, I don’t know. We have to continue to play games, but there’s still a group that we’re looking and trying to figure it out.”

Regarding player health following recent back-to-back road games, McLellan provided updates: “Simon is obviously progressing," Watson said. "He’s involved on the ice. We’ve got a few other guys with bumps, bruises and sore muscles but that normally happens. Nate Danielson got injured the other night, and he’ll be out for a little bit. I don’t have a time frame whether it’s short term or long term but we’ll figure that part out over the next few days.”

Detroit holds a 2-2-0 record in preseason play so far and narrowly lost their last matchup against Pittsburgh with a score of 3-2 at PPG Paints Arena.

“Our preseason results have been a little up and down, but that’s to be expected,” Justin Holl said about Detroit's performance so far this fall season.“It’s always a learning experience and we’re learning as we go.This is what we have the preseason for,is to iron the kinks out ,so we're just working to get better every day .”