Red Wings Rubbing Opponents the Wrong Way

The Detroit Red Wings kicked off their preseason home schedule with a hard-fought 2-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in overtime, thanks to a goal from Alex DeBrincat. Although the team's preseason exhibition games haven't been particularly high-scoring, except for their 7-4 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Red Wings have been busy adding to their stat sheet.

Tonight, Detroit committed seven penalties, boosting their total through three games to 21. However, the team's penalty kill unit has managed to keep up with the challenge.

Coach Todd McLellan acknowledged that the team took a few lazy penalties during the game and expressed concern about the impact on their power plays during the regular season. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues before the season gets underway. The Red Wings have also experienced a decline in offensive performance in the offseason, and relying solely on the defense to compensate isn't an ideal solution.

McLellan advocates for a more aggressive style of play, describing it as "abrasive." This approach has been evident in the team's efforts to play harder, faster, and heavier. The results on ice have been positive so far, with the Red Wings out-hitting their opponents 18-14. However, McLellan cautions that intensity and smart play must go hand-in-hand, and he expects the team to maintain discipline as they strive to grow stronger together.