Detroit Red Wings Clips March 4, 2015

Transcription

1 Detroit Red Wings Clips March 4, 2015 Detroit Red Wings PAGE 2 Erik Cole excited after first practice with Red Wings PAGE 4 Wings' Zidlicky will be paired with Smith at first PAGE 6 Red Wings' Tomas Tatar unveils his own clothing line PAGE 7 Red Wings to be on NBC three straight Sundays PAGE 8 Niyo: Cole's size, speed fill gap for Wings PAGE 10 Newcomers Cole, Zidlicky eager to get Cup run underway PAGE 12 Erik Cole, Marek Zidlicky thrilled to join Red Wings, looking to make a good club that much better PAGE 14 Newest Red Wings Erik Cole, Marek Zidlicky join team for practice, ready for Wednesday debut PAGE 16 Stephen Weiss not bothered by trade talks with Toronto, happy to remain with Red Wings PAGE 18 Red Wings teammates expect forward Erik Cole, defenseman Marek Zidlicky to fit in well PAGE 20 Babcock to new players: Be yourself PAGE 22 Duff: Wings welcome new additions PAGE 24 Jared Coreau becomes odd goalie out with Grand Rapids Griffins

2 Erik Cole excited after first practice with Red Wings By Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 3:46 p.m. EST March 3, 2015 Erik Cole pulled aside his new captain to deliver an apology from his old one, then went out and got to work. The Detroit Red Wings welcomed trade acquisitions Cole and Marek Zidlicky to today's practice, with an eye on acclimating as quickly as possible. Both will debut Wednesday, when the Wings host the New York Rangers (8 p.m., NBCSN). Cole was rescued from Dallas and Zidlicky from New Jersey. Neither the Stars nor Devils are in the playoff picture, while the Wings are headed for a 24th straight appearance in the playoffs. That prompted Zidlicky to waive his no-trade clause and eased what anxiety Cole had, even as he knew a trade was coming. Dallas general manager Jim Nill, a longtime assistant to Ken Holland in Detroit, painted the upside for Cole. "Jim Nill, who I think is a tremendous guy, he pulled me aside and he'd told me beforehand it was going to be a great situation," Cole said. "Then he told me what the great situation was, and that it was here in Detroit. So that made me excited right away and thankful to him that he gave me an opportunity to come to such a great organization." Zidlicky described the Wings as: "Big team, big names, great players and good hockey." One of those great players, Henrik Zetterberg, is penciled in to be Cole's new linemate, probably as soon as Wednesday, provided that Zetterberg is cleared by medical personnel after getting punched and elbowed in the head Feb. 21. That was done by the Stars' Jamie Benn, which is why Cole began his first day in Detroit by playing messenger. Benn, Cole said, "sent me here with an apology. I told Z this morning." There's no confusing who gets to be known by that one letter -- that's Zetterberg. But there is no confusion, either, about how important it was to add the defenseman who likewise could answer to Z. Zidlicky is that offensively capable right-shooting defenseman the Wings have sought like a holy grail for 10 months. He can play in any situation and will help make the back end more mobile. Cole, 6-feet-2 and topping 200 pounds, adds size and speed to the front group. "It was great to see that we, as an organization, were able to help our team," coach Mike Babcock said. "Our team has done a real nice job, and if you do a good job around here, Kenny has shown over the years that he tries to help you. "From an organizational standpoint, we were able to do that without giving up a whole bunch, and so therefore, we serve ourselves now and for the future." The total cost was two prospects, a second-round pick, a conditional-third round pick and a conditional fifth-round pick. No one was lost off of the roster, meaning that a group that has rolled out 81 points in 61 games just got stronger. 2

3 "We're excited to have both guys," Babcock said. "We think they both can be prominent players for us. Cole is a right winger who plays with pace, can take the puck to the net and is having a good year. Zidlicky is a competitor, and he can shoot the puck and make plays and has good offensive skill. I think he'll be a real addition. He made some plays in practice that make you smile." Making Babcock smile shouldn't be underestimated. He is in the last year of his contract, and he has just been given another example of why coaching the Red Wings is a great job: His GM got him what he wanted, setting the Wings up to win into June. Cole, incidentally, knows something about that. He was with Carolina in 2002, when the Wings rolled the Hurricanes to win the Stanley Cup. Cole still remembers "what this city can be like, what this building can be like, in the playoffs. It's a great atmosphere. This is the best time of year to be playing hockey, into the springtime. It's just so much much. This organization, just year in a year out, they're in the playoffs competing, so I'm excited to be a part of it." Detroit Free Press LOADED:

4 Wings' Zidlicky will be paired with Smith at first By George Sipple, Detroit Free Press 9:31 p.m. EST March 3, 2015 Brendan Smith will continue to be paired with a right-handed defenseman. Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock put Smith with Marek Zidlicky in practice today at Joe Louis Arena and said that they will start off together when the Wings host the Rangers on Wednesday (8 p.m., NBCSN). Zidlicky was acquired from New Jersey Devils on Monday, for a conditional draft pick. Smith said he had a lot of fun playing with Alexey Marchenko, who, like Zidlicky, is a right-handed shot. Marchenko is out a week with a strained oblique. "Our power play has been very good, but I think we've been going through a stint where we haven't been producing that many goals," Smith said. "If we can get a new face and do some things that help that puck go in the back of the net, it's going to help our squad that much more. "He's my (defensive) partner, so I guess I have to talk to him a lot and get him kind of filled in to Babs' system. I think that's the toughest thing with guys that get traded to our team. We're very systematically sound, and that's why we're successful in a lot of our games." Smith said that when young players get called up from Grand Rapids of the AHL, they are familiar with the way the Wings are structured because the Griffins play the same system. Smith figures veterans like Zidlicky and forward Erik Cole, who was acquired Sunday, will pick things up quickly. And playing with another right-handed shot makes things easier, Smith said. "For some things, it makes it more efficient," Smith said. "Sometimes it can be a safer play with having that lefty-righty (pairing). I know Babs loves it. It's worked for me. With Marchy, it was good. I think it will be the same with Marek." East not easy: Asked about the other trade-deadline moves made by teams in the East, Babcock said: "Obviously, there was lots of moment, so it creates lots of excitement. It's kind of like Opening Day of the season. Everybody thinks they have a shot. Same thing now." The Rangers acquired defensemen Keith Yandle and Chris Summers (Michigan) and a 2016 fourth-round pick from the Arizona Coyotes for Anthony Duclair, John Moore, a first-round pick in 2016 and a second-round pick in Babcock said he watched the third period of the Rangers' last game: "They're a good team. They're explosive. Their D is all over the rink. They're playing well, so it'll be fun for us." 4

5 Notes: Smith initially told reporters that he didn't want to talk about the trade deadline. Later, asked whether his phone had blown up Monday, while rumors circulated that the Toronto Maple Leafs might have been interested in him, Smith said he "didn't even think about it" and didn't get inundated with calls. Babcock said everyone will skate Wednesday morning, and then he'd decide who will sit. Babcock did say that Jimmy Howard will start in net. Detroit Free Press LOADED:

6 Red Wings' Tomas Tatar unveils his own clothing line Steve Schrader, Detroit Free Press 1:12 p.m. EST March 3, 2015 Henrik Zetterberg has done it. So has Pavel Datsyuk. Now Tomas Tatar has arrived: He's the latest Detroit Red Wings player with his own clothing line. And by clothing line, we mean mostly hats, T-shirts and so on. The Tomas Tatar Signature Series was announced today by Michigan-based Puck Hcky (that is not a typo), which offers other hockey items, too. CEO Matt Marini said in the release that the Tatar line "has a wide variety of designs, including a hand-drawn image of one of Tomas' tattoos and an abstract likeness of Tomas that is already a fan favorite. Each image was designed to reflect Tomas' funloving, charismatic personality and Slovak heritage." That includes one that says "Hokej," which is Slovakian for hockey, and another with a soccer-style logo (Tatar likes that sport, too). Detroit Free Press LOADED:

7 Red Wings to be on NBC three straight Sundays By Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 10:58 a.m. EST March 3, 2015 The Detroit Red Wings appear to be quite the feather in NBC's peacock. First, NBC picked up the option to showcase Sunday's Wings game at the Boston Bruins nationally at 12:30 p.m. Now the NHL's website also is listing the March 15 game at Pittsburgh as a 12:30 p.m. start on NBC. This was a no-brainer. If there's one NHL player NBC loves, it's Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, the face of the sport. But the pickup makes sense on every level: Wings. Penguins. Crosby-Henrik Zetterberg. Pavel Datsyuk-Evgeni Malkin. Rehashing the 2008 and 2009 Stanley Cup finals. Quality appeal there. On March 22, the Wings host the St. Louis Blues, and NBC already has that game scheduled for a noon start. Detroit Free Press LOADED:

8 Niyo: Cole's size, speed fill gap for Wings John Niyo, The Detroit News 11:26 p.m. EST March 3, 2015 Erik Cole arrived with an apology, conveying the regrets of his old teammate, Jamie Benn, to his new one, Henrik Zetterberg, for that punch to the head in Dallas that knocked the Detroit captain out of the lineup 10 days ago. But then Cole jokingly asked for an apology himself Tuesday, still a bit winded after his first practice in Detroit following the deadline-day trade that brought him here. A reporter referenced his long career and mentioned the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals, when his Carolina team ran headlong into Detroit's Big Red Machine, and Cole quickly interrupted, saying, "Oh, thanks for that reminder. My dog died that year, too. You want to talk about it?" He was teasing, of course. And the 36-year-old native of upstate New York made it clear Tuesday he needs no reminders about what it means to be playing hockey here in Detroit. Both players are expected to play Wednesday. "I've seen what this city can be like and what this building can be like in the playoffs," said Cole, who was a rookie in 2002, part of the beloved "BBC Line" that led the Hurricanes to the Finals. "It's a great atmosphere and just so much fun. It's the best time of year to be playing hockey, into the springtime and playing your best and getting on a roll. Those types of runs, Stanley Cup playoff runs, are so much fun and memorable. "A lot of these guys have been through those experiences. And this organization, year in and year out, they're always in the playoffs competing. So I'm excited to be part of it." And if this is to be one of those runs for the Red Wings, chances are he'll be a big part of it. Because what Cole brings is something this team was lacking up front: A physical presence with size (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) and speed, a winger who'll create space and occasionally a little havoc as well. "You've seen him: He's like a bull out there," said defenseman Brendan Smith, whose brother, Reilly, was Cole's first linemate after he joined the Stars at the deadline two years ago. An easy call Cole's not the same player he was a decade ago, before Pittsburgh's Brooks Orpik nearly ended his career with a broken neck in Or even when he scored 35 goals in his first year in Montreal after signing a big free agent deal there in But Cole, who had scored 18 goals in 57 games this season despite averaging less than 15 minutes a night, was probably the best available power forward at the deadline. And for a team that isn't counting on Johan Franzen (concussion) playing again this spring, this deal giving up a couple mid-level prospects and a second-round pick for Cole and a conditional pick was an easy call. 8

9 Same goes for Mike Babcock, who immediately penciled him in at right wing on Zetterberg's line with Justin Abdelkader "Yeah, there's definitely worse places to end up," Cole laughed and on the No. 1 power-play unit as well. "Hopefully, I can do some good things out there and make the best of it," he added, noting it may take some time getting used to the pace of Babcock's practices. For now, though, the best thing he can do is just to play his game. That was the message Babcock delivered to both of his new vets Cole and 38-year-old defenseman Marek Zidlicky in his office Tuesday morning. "I sat down with the two of them and I said exactly this, "Picture who you are in your mind's eye and the player you are and just do that. That's why we acquired you,'" Babcock said. 'Work in progress' There's plenty of time to figure out the nuances of the on-ice structure for the Red Wings before the playoffs start, and little worry that two players who have played more than 1,700 NHL games (for seven teams) will have trouble fitting in. "I don't want them thinking when they get on the ice I want them playing," Babcock continued. "It'll show over time. We didn't bring them here to change them. We got them here so they could do what they do, and we'll figure out a way to make it work for them. That's going to be work in progress. I'm excited about the guys. As long as they're competitive, everything will work out fine." And there won't be any need for apologies. Detroit News LOADED:

10 Newcomers Cole, Zidlicky eager to get Cup run underway Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 11:23 p.m. EST March 3, 2015 Detroit The weather certainly could have been better, but Erik Cole and Marek Zidlicky were excited to get their first practices completed and get their Red Wings careers underway. "It wasn't easy drive," said Zidlicky, an offensive defenseman who'll be paired with Brendan Smith and play the point on the power play. "But it was nice, it was good to have the first practice." Both players were acquired in the final 48 hours before Monday's trade deadline and they are thrilled to be part of a potential playoff run. Both are expected to play Wednesday against the New York Rangers. "The first time I came here, it was unbelievable, you saw the pictures on the walls, you could feel the history," Zidlicky said. "The whole rink. That's why I'm here. I really wanted to enjoy the game (here)." Cole was part of the Carolina Hurricanes when the Red Wings defeated the Hurricanes for the 2002 Stanley Cup. Both players are expected to play Wednesday. "I've seen what this city can be like and what this building can be like in the playoffs," said Cole, who'll start on a line with Justin Abdelkader and Henrik Zetterberg (who practiced Tuesday and should be cleared Wednesday to play). "It's a great atmosphere and just so much fun. It's the best time of year to be playing hockey, into the spring time and playing your best and getting on a roll. "Those types of runs, Stanley Cup playoff runs, are so much fun and memorable. A lot of these guys have been through those experiences, and this organization, year in and year out, they're always in the playoffs competing and I'm excited to be part of it." Red Wings players and coach Mike Babcock all felt it was a reaffirmation from the front office of the way the Red Wings have played recently and their playoff potential, while adding the two valuable veterans. "I like this group," Babcock said. "As I've said a number of times, this is the best group I've had since 2009 and we're getting better and they seem to enjoy being around each other." Just a rumor? Brendan Smith's name was involved the rumors Monday as the Red Wings tried to acquire Dion Phaneuf from the Maple Leafs. But Smith, a Toronto native, insists he didn't receive any texts or calls. 10

11 "My phone wasn't blowing up, I didn't even think about it once," Smith said. "No texts from the little brother (Reilly Smith, Bruins). You just go about how things happen and nothing happened, so I don't even know." Rangers on rise The Red Wings entertain a Rangers team that made one significant acquisition, getting defenseman Keith Yandle from the Coyotes. The Rangers were on quite a roll before getting Yandle, going and moving into first in the Metropolitan Division. "They're a real good team," Babcock said. "They're explosive, their defense is all over the rink, they're playing well." Ice chips Detroit's March 15 game in Pittsburgh will start at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate national television. Red Wings center Henrik Zetterberg (concussion symptoms) and defenseman Kyle Quincey (ankle) practiced Tuesday and could play Wednesday if they're cleared after the morning skate. Red Wings forward Darren Helm and defenseman Alexey Marchenko (oblique strains) didn't practice. Forward Teemu Pulkkinen was assigned to Grand Rapids. Detroit News LOADED:

12 Erik Cole, Marek Zidlicky thrilled to join Red Wings, looking to make a good club that much better Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com on March 03, 2015 at 8:01 PM, updated March 03, 2015 at 8:03 PM DETROIT - Erik Cole and Marek Zidlicky walked into Joe Louis Arena for the first time as Detroit Red Wings and marveled at the franchise's history, from photos in the dressing room to banners hanging in the rafters. They respect the string of success the club has had for more than two decades and are anxious to help a team that was in splendid shape before their arrival. Cole -- a big, physical, scoring winger - and Zidlicky, a skilled right-handed shooting defenseman - practiced with their new team on Tuesday and will make their Red Wings debut Saturday against the New York Rangers at the Joe (8 p.m., NBC Sports Network only). "We're excited to have both guys," coach Mike Babcock said. "I think both can be prominent players for us. It's going to take them some time to adjust, but I think they'll be a factor." Cole, acquired from the Dallas Stars on Sunday, will skate on a line with Henrik Zetterberg (if he's cleared to return from a head injury) and Justin Abdelkader. "There's definitely worse places to end up, so pretty fortunate to have the opportunity," Cole said. The Red Wings felt they needed more size on the wing, especially if Johan Franzen can't return this season due to a concussion. Cole is 6-2, 210, and led the Stars with 116 hits while scoring 18 goals in 57 games. "He plays with pace and can take the puck to the net," Babcock said. "He's having a good year. Looks to me he has some size and has the ability to be heavy on (the puck)." Cole said he wants to do the things that allow him to open up the ice for his teammates. "I think using my speed and try to be a big body out there, get to the front of the net, get to the traffic areas, get on the forecheck and create loose pucks," Cole said. "Anything I can do, really, but just play hard and try to play an up-and-down game. Hopefully we'll find a good fit here for me and we'll be able to continue the success that the guys have been having." Zidlicky, acquired Monday from the New Jersey Devils, will be paired with Brendan Smith. "He's a competitor," Babcock said. "He can shoot the puck and can make plays. He's got good offensive skill. I think he'll be a great addition. He made some plays in practice that make you smile, which is positive." 12

13 Said Zidlicky: "I will do everything to be a part of this team and help this team play good hockey." Cole and Zidlicky will play on different power-play units as well. Neither has history with any current Red Wings but Zidlicky played with Jiri Fischer, the team's director of player development, in the 2005 World Championships for the Czech Republic. When Zidlicky thinks Red Wings, he thinks, "big team, big names, great players, good hockey." That's why he waived his no-trade clause to join the team. "First time I come here it was like unbelievable," Zidlicky said. "You can see the pictures and everything on the walls. You can feel the history in this building. That's why I'm here. I really want to enjoy the games. "Detroit is big city, big hockey town. I played a lot of times here and I really enjoyed the game here. It was pretty tough. Detroit is top of the teams. That's why I'm here." Cole won a Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2006, four years after playing for the Hurricanes club that lost to the Red Wings in the 2002 Cup finals. "I've seen what this city can be like and what this building can be like in the playoffs," Cole said. "It's a great atmosphere, just so much fun. It's the best time of the year to be playing hockey, into the springtime. "The Stanley Cup playoffs are so much fun and so memorable. A lot of guys in this room have been through the experiences and this organization year in and year out is in the playoffs and competing, so I'm excited to be a part of it." The Red Wings were in good position to challenge Montreal and Tampa Bay for the top spot in the Atlantic Division before the moves. Babcock likes this team even more now. "I've said it a lot of times -- this is the best group I've had here since '09," Babcock said. "That doesn't necessarily mean we have the most points, but it's the best group. We're getting better; seem to enjoy being around each other and working hard, competing hard. "There are lots of teams in the East that feel they have an opportunity. We're going to find out." Michigan Live LOADED:

14 Newest Red Wings Erik Cole, Marek Zidlicky join team for practice, ready for Wednesday debut Ansar Khan By Ansar Khan on March 03, 2015 at 2:37 PM, updated March 03, 2015 at 6:26 PM DETROIT - The newest Detroit Red Wings, forward Erik Cole and defenseman Marek Zidlicky, began their acclimation process Tuesday with their first practice at Joe Louis Arena and a talk with their new coach. "I sat down with the two of them and I said exactly this, "Picture who you are in your mind's eye and the player you are and just do that. That's why we acquired you,' " Mike Babcock said. "Then I say, "Here's our structure. Now you have to find a way to do the two together.' "I don't want them thinking when they get on the ice I want them playing. It'll show over time. We didn't bring them here to change them. We got them here so they could do what they do and we'll figure out a way to make it work for them. That's going to be work in progress. I'm excited about the guys; as long as they're competitive everything will work out fine." The pair will make their Red Wings debut Wednesday against the New York Rangers at Joe Louis Arena (8 p.m., NBC Sports Network exclusive). Cole, acquired Sunday from the Dallas Stars, practiced on a line with Henrik Zetterberg and Justin Abdelkader. Zetterberg has missed the past four games with a head injury; Babcock said they'll know after the morning skate whether he is cleared for the game. "Definitely a good tempo to the practice and the guys told me it was actually a lighter one to come into," Cole said. "But the system I was playing in Dallas has a lot of similarities, just explained a little differently and more attention to detail. I think it's something I should be comfortable in and good to get here and get my legs going again after not being on the ice for two days." Zidlicky, acquired Monday from the New Jersey Devils, was paired with Brendan Smith. "It was pretty nice," Zidlicky said of his first practice. "Finally I make it, because it was pretty tough. I come this morning. It wasn't an easy drive. The first practice was good." Babcock said he believes defenseman Kyle Quincey, out the past five games with bone chips in his ankle, is ready to play. Jimmy Howard will start in goal. Benn apologizes through Cole Cole said he delivered an apology to his new linemate, Zetterberg, from his former linemate, Jamie Benn, for the punch to the head on Feb. 21 that injured the Detroit captain. "He sent me here with an apology. Told Z this morning," Cole said. 14

15 Here are the lines they skated with: Tomas Jurco-Pavel Datsyuk-Tomas Tatar Justin Abdelkader-Henrik Zetterberg-Erik Cole Stephen Weiss-Riley Sheahan-Gustav Nyquist Drew Miller-Joakim Andersson-Luke Glendening Daniel Cleary rotated in. On defense: Niklas Kronwall-Jonathan Ericsson Danny DeKeyser-Kyle Quincey Brendan Smith-Marek Zidlicky Jakub Kindl rotated in. Jimmy Howard (starting Wednesday) Jonas Gustavsson Power-play units: Weiss-Zetterberg-Cole, Abdelkader (net front), Kronwall Nyquist-Datsyuk-Tatar, Sheahan (net front), Zidlicky Time change: The Red Wings game in Pittsburgh on March 15 has been moved to 12:30 p.m. to accommodate NBC. The Red Wings will play three consecutive Sunday afternoon games, including this week in Boston and March 22 at home vs. St. Louis. Defenseman Alexey Marchenko skated briefly before practice. Darren Helm did not skate. Both are expected to be out a week or so due to strained oblique muscles. Michigan Live LOADED:

16 Stephen Weiss not bothered by trade talks with Toronto, happy to remain with Red Wings Brendan Savage By Brendan Savage on March 03, 2015 at 10:10 AM DETROIT - Stephen Weiss didn't spend the last couple of days watching NHL trade possibilities unfold via social media outlets like Twitter. That's not his thing. But that doesn't mean the Detroit Red Wings veteran forward didn't hear that his name had been mentioned as part of a possible trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Dion Phaneuf before Monday's deadline passed. General manager Ken Holland said he couldn't comment on any potential deal for Phaneuf but reports indicated the Red Wings discussed several trade possibilities with Toronto that included Weiss and defensemen Jakub Kindl and Brendan Smith. "It's almost hard not to hear anything," Weiss said. "I woke up to that this morning, that I was being floated around a little bit. That's all part of it. Didn't end up hearing anything further than that but it's a stressful few hours this morning. "There's really nothing you can do about it. You just come to the rink and go to work really. If something comes up, something comes up and you deal with it at that time. Nothing other than that, really. Just go about your business." The trade for Phaneuf ultimately fell through for two reasons - the Red Wings felt the price they had to pay was too high (the Maple Leafs wanted top prospect Anthony Mantha, according to Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet.ca) and they didn't want to take on a contract that has six years and $41 million remaining after this season (at a cap hit of $7 million), without Toronto retaining $2 million a year in salary. But a deal involving Weiss would have meant Toronto would be taking on a contract that has three years and almost $15 remaining. Weiss signed a five-year, $24.5 million free-agent deal with the Red Wings in July 2013 after spending the first 11 seasons of his NHL career with the Florida Panthers. The contract includes a limited no-movement clause, so Weiss might have been able to block a deal, had it reached that stage. After missing the second half of last season with a sports hernia and battling a groin injury out of training camp this season, Weiss has remained fairly healthy. In 38 games, he has seven goals and 12 assists. While Weiss had no control over the trade talks with Toronto - his hometown - he was happy that they fell through and he'll be remaining in Detroit. 16

17 "I don't want to go anywhere," he said. "This is where I wanted to be a year-and-a-half ago and this is where I want to be going forward. I still think I can help this team a lot and certainly didn't want to go anywhere. "But if something comes up, that's something you have to deal with at the time. It (trade talk) is definitely out of your control." The Maple Leafs reportedly inquired about Smith, another Toronto native who is in his second full NHL season. But the Red Wings like Smith's potential at age 26 after selecting him in the first round (27th overall) of the 2007 NHL draft. The Red Wings did not make Smith available to the media after practice Monday. Michigan Live LOADED:

18 Red Wings teammates expect forward Erik Cole, defenseman Marek Zidlicky to fit in well Brendan Savage By Brendan Savage on March 03, 2015 at 6:06 AM, updated March 03, 2015 at 9:32 AM DETROIT - Captain Henrik Zetterberg called it "a good day for us." Nobody in the Detroit Red Wings' dressing room disagreed. The Red Wings added two players before the NHL trade deadline, acquiring forward Erik Cole from the Dallas Stars Sunday night and then getting defenseman Marek Zidlicky from the New Jersey Devils Monday afternoon. Both are longtime veterans who the Red Wings think will give them a lift heading down the regular-season stretch run and into what the club is hoping will be a long playoff run. "I think both Cole and Zalicky (are) good players," Zetterberg said. "They're going to come in and do a good job for us. Obviously Zalicky is a good defenseman, righthanded shot. He plays in all situations. "Erik is a veteran guy who has been around for a long time, putting up some good numbers. We met him in Dallas here not too long ago. He's a good player. He will come in with a lot of speed, big size and he will be good with us." Both newcomers are expected to practice with the Red Wings today and be in the lineup Wednesday, when the New York Rangers visit Joe Louis Arena. To acquire Cole, general manager Ken Holland parted with prospects Mattias Backman and Mattias Janmark - who are both playing in their native Sweden - as well as the Red Wings' second-round pick in this year's draft. "The pieces that Kenny and the rest of the staff added today is a positive for our club," said goaltender Jimmy Howard. "Got that right-handed, offensive defenseman they were seeking and we also added some depth up front with Erik, bringing in a tenacious guy that goes to the net hard and likes to play rough." Cole brings several qualities to Detroit. He has good size at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds. Several Red Wings mentioned how quick he is despite being in his 13th season at age 38. Cole has scored at least 20 goals five times, at least 30 twice and has 18 this season. And he's playoff tested, helping Carolina win the 2006 Stanley Cup after the Hurricanes lost to the Red Wings in the Finals four years earlier. Erik Cole brings size and speed to Red Wings, say new teammates The 6-foot-2 Cole had 18 goals for Dallas before being traded to Detroit Sunday. 18

19 "Played against him a lot of years," said Red Wings forward Stephen Weiss, who spent the first 11 seasons of his career in Florida. "Big, strong guy who skates as well, really, as anyone in the league from A to B. "He'll fit in really well here. He's got a lot of playoff experience as well. Another really good addition." The Red Wings got Zidlicky from the Devils for a conditional third-round draft pick in Like Cole, Zidlicky wasn't one of the marquee names on the trade market before the deadline but he also brings several attributes to the Red Wings lineup. He's got plenty of experience with 11 NHL seasons on his resume as well as six appearances in the World Championships and two Olympics for the Czech Republic. Zidlicky knows what it takes to win in the playoffs after reaching the Stanley Cup Finals with the Devils in He's good offensively with six seasons of 40-plus points for the Predators, Wild and Devils. Zidlicky will help an already strong power play, having recorded 25 of his 35 career goals and 74 of his 140 career assists during manpower advantages. And finally, he's a right-handed shot, something the Red Wings have been looking to add to their back end for almost a year now. "Well, playing against him for quite a few years now, still moves really well, really good on the power play," said defenseman Niklas Kronwall. "A right-handed shot. He's got a really good shot. So I think he's going to fit in perfect. "Both of those two guys have been around for a long time with obviously some experience. So I thought it's interesting and an exciting day for us." Zidlicky is also one of those guys opposing forwards don't like to play against. "He's a good player," said forward Stephen Weiss. "He's got a heavy shot, is good on the power play, is good offensively and can be a pain in the butt to play against, too. He's got a little bit of chippiness to his game and I think it's a great fit. "I don't think you can ever have enough defensemen that can move the puck and help you out offensively and especially he's a right-handed shot. That's huge for us. We've got a lot of lefties. It will be nice to add a righty and he also has an element of chippiness, too, where he can be a pain in the butt to play against. "So it will be nice to have him." Michigan Live LOADED:

20 Babcock to new players: Be yourself By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily Posted: 03/03/15, 6:56 PM EST DETROIT >> Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock met with of both his newly acquired players Erik Cole and Marek Zidlicky and had the same message for both of them, Picture the player you are and just do that. That s why we acquired you. Here s our structure and now you have to find a way to do the two together. Cole, who was acquired on Sunday in a deal with Dallas, and Zidlicky took part in their first practice with their new team Tuesday at Joe Louis Arena since being traded for prior to the NHL trade deadline. I don t want them thinking when they get on the ice, I want them playing, Babcock said. It ll show over time. We didn t bring them here to change them. We got them here so they could do what they do and we ll figure out a way to make it work for them. Cole practiced on a line with Henrik Zetterberg, who s expected to return Wednesday against the New York Rangers after missing four straight games due to a head injury, and Justin Abdelkader. Zidlicky, who was acquired Monday from New Jersey, was paired on the blue line with Brendan Smith. He plays with pace and can take the puck to the net, Babcock said of Cole. He s having a good year. Looks to me he has some size and has the ability to be heavy on it. He s a competitor, added Babcock on Zidlicky. He can shoot the puck and can make plays. He s got good offensive skill. I think he ll be a great addition. He made some plays in practice that make you smile which is positive. The two will also be inserted on power play units. Cole will be out with his two linemates, along with Stephen Weiss and Niklas Kronwall, while Zidlicky, who s a right-handed shot and a power-play specialist, will man the point for Pavel Datsyuk, Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Tatar and Riley Sheahan. It was great to see that we as an organization were able to help our team, Babcock said. I think our team has done a good job and if you do a good job, Kenny (Holland) has shown over the years he tries to help you. From an organizational standpoint, long term, we were able to do that without giving up a whole bunch so therefore we serve ourselves for now and in the future with the group we have coming, Babcock continued. We re excited we have both guys. I think both can be prominent players for us. It s going to take them some time to adjust but I think they ll be a factor. For Cole, Detroit parted ways with a pair of prospects Mattias Janmark (center) and Mattias Backman (defenseman) and a 2015 second-round pick. The Wings will receive the Stars third-round pick next season unless they reach the conference finals. 20

21 I want to do the things that make me a good player and allow me to open up ice for my linemates, make them better and make our team more successful, Cole said. Hopefully we ll find a good fit here for me and we ll be able to continue the success that the guys have been having. The Devils got Detroit s third-round pick in 2016 for Zidlicky, who had to waive his notrade clause. If the Wings reach the Eastern Conference finals this year, they ll also send a 2015 fifth-round pick to New Jersey and the 2016 third rounder moves up to the second round. There were a couple teams but I choose Detroit; it s big names, great hockey town, good hockey, unbelievable here, Zidlicky said. One of first things Cole did when he arrived in Detroit was deliver a message from his former Stars teammate, Jamie Benn, to Zetterberg. He sent me here with an apology, Cole said. I told Z this morning. Benn punched Zetterberg in the head on Feb. 21, and the Wings captains has been sidelined since. Macomb Daily LOADED:

22 Duff: Wings welcome new additions By Bob Duff / Windsor Star With one day of practice to master the systems of the Detroit Red Wings, forward Erik Cole and defenceman Marek Zidlicky, the team s two NHL trade deadline acquisitions, will make their debuts Wednesday as the Wings play host to the New York Rangers at Joe Louis Arena (8 p.m., NBCSN, live blog at windsorstar.com). Cole doesn t anticipate that the transition will be all that difficult to master. The system I was playing in Dallas has a lot of similarities, just explained a little differently and more attention to detail, Cole said. I think it s something I should be comfortable with. It was good to get here and get my legs going again after not being on the ice for two days. Zidlicky, acquired from the New Jersey Devils, found it more difficult getting to the rink in Tuesday s ice storm than adapting to what took place on the ice surface once he got inside the arena. Finally I make it, because it was pretty tough, Zidlicky said. I come in this morning (form New Jersey). It wasn t an easy drive. It was good, the first practice was good. Detroit coach Mike Babcock thinks both players will bring an element to the team that was lacking. An 18-goal scorer for Dallas, Cole, 36, is the prototypical power forward. He s a right winger that plays with pace and can take the puck to the net, Babcock said. He s having a good year this year. It looks to me he has some size and has the ability to be heavy on it (puck). We re going to watch him play and get to know him better. He s going to start on a line with (Justin) Abdelkader and (Henrik) Zetterberg, if Zetterberg (concussion-like symptoms) clears tomorrow. And we ll see how he does. He ll play on the power play. Cole was excited to hear who his centre in Detroit would be. 22

23 There s definitely worse places to end up, Cole said. I m pretty fortunate to have the opportunity and hopefully I can do some good things out there and make the best of it. Zidlicky, 38, provides the Wing with what they ve been seeing all season, a right-hand shot on defence and on the point of their NHL-leading power play. Zidlicky s going to play on the power play and play a regular shift, Babcock said. He s starting with (Brendan) Smith. He s going to play on the power play with (Pavel) Datsyuk and we ll kind of see where it goes from there. Babcock is enamoured with the goods that Zidlicky brings to his team. He s a competitor, Babcock said. He can shoot the puck and can make plays. He s got good offensive skill. I think he ll be a great addition. He made some plays in practice that makes you smile, which is positive. Zidlicky waived his no-trade clause to make the move to Detroit. Detroit is big city, big hockey town, Zidlicky said. I played a lot of times here and I really enjoyed the game here. It was pretty tough. Detroit is top of the teams. That s why I m here. 23

24 Jared Coreau becomes odd goalie out with Grand Rapids Griffins By Peter Wallner / MLive.com GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Jared Coreau, despite a seven-game winning streak and sparking stats with the Grand Rapids Griffins, became the odd goalie out Tuesday and was sent to Toledo of the ECHL. Coreau, 23, is tied for ninth among AHL goaltenders with a 2.15 goals against average, along with a.926 save percentage and record. His seven-game winning streak with the Griffins includes back-to-back shutouts - against Iowa on Jan. 29 (6-0) and Milwaukee on Jan. 30 (3-0). His last game was a 4-3 overtime win at home against Milwaukee Feb. 18. RECENT: Grand Rapids Griffins, already with two effective goalies, wait on arrival of a third in Petr Mrazek Coreau's emergence followed Petr Mrazek's call-up to Detroit in November. Mrazek recently returned to Grand Rapids and started the past five games, all wins. In 11 games, Mrazek has a 2.07 GAA with a.924 save percentage. The other goalie is Tom McCollum, who still leads the team with 23 games. He has a 2.50 GAA and.904 save percentage. In addition to his time with Grand Rapids, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Coreau has played in six games with the Walleye, with a 3.11 GAA and.883 save percentage. The Griffins, winners of eight in a row and first in the Midwest Division, host Oklahoma City on Wednesday. 24