REDWINGSINSIDER has no direct affiliation to the Detroit Red Wings, NHL or NHLPA
Red Wings announce line shakeup ahead of facing Ducks Thursday in hopes for a spark
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan announced changes to his lines ahead of the game against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday.
The last few days were crucial for the Detroit Red Wings. Coming off three straight losses, the Wings had several days to prepare for tonight's game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Todd McLellan took advantage of that break to make some changes to all areas of his lineup, including the special units:
"We don't get a lot of time during the season to practice the way we did today. We just can't, because you have so many games in such a short time frame. They expended a lot of energy today. It was physical and there was a lot of battling."
McLellan Announces Lineup Changes Ahead Of Tonight's Tough Game Against The Ducks
In addition to putting Alex DeBrincat on the top line instead of Emmitt Finnie, McLellan made significant changes to the power play.
On the second unit, Michael Rasmussen was in front of the net; Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat were on the wings, Marco Kasper at the bumper, and Axel Sandin Pellikka at the point.
Here's what McLellan had to say about the power play:
"Net front on the power play we've tried a lot of different individuals, but why run to the end zone if the quarterback never throws the ball there? The quarterback and the receivers have to be on the same page. And we need people to get the puck there if we're going to go there.
The pieces all go together and it's a big challenge for all five guys on the power play right now, everything from face-offs to entries and possession to establishing an attack mentality and then running your plays off of it."
The pieces all go together and it's a big challenge for all five guys on the power play right now, everything from face-offs to entries and possession to establishing an attack mentality and then running your plays off of it."
After all that preparation, the Wings will be ready to bounce back tonight, but the Ducks aren't to be taken lightly, currently at the top of the Pacific Division with an 11-4-1 record.
| POLL | ||
1 HOUR AGO | 21 ANSWERS Red Wings announce line shakeup ahead of facing Ducks Thursday in hopes for a spark Who do you think will win Thursday? | ||
TRENDING NOW
