Detroit Red Wings Clips November 14, 2014

Detroit Red Wings Clips November 14, 2014 Detroit Red Wings PAGE 2 Red Wings tired of practicing, pumped to face Chicago PAGE 3 Wings miss their frequent matchups with Blackhawks PAGE 5 Fast-paced game against former Western rival Blackhawks could help Red Wings shake the rust PAGE 7 Goalie Petr Mrazek prepares for extended commute between Grand Rapids and Detroit PAGE 9 Anthony Mantha's debut: What Griffins coach Jeff Blashill expects Friday from Detroit's top prospect PAGE 11 Red Wings' Tomas Jurco returns to the lineup Friday vs. Chicago; Pavel Datsyuk might be back, too PAGE 13 Report: Daniel Alfredsson to make decision on future with Detroit Red Wings by Dec. 1 PAGE 14 Red Wings' power play will get good test against Blackhawks PAGE 16 Wings prospect Mantha set to debut Friday in Grand Rapids PAGE 17 Wings will be motivated against former division rival PAGE 19 Notes: Quick start key for Wings Friday PAGE 21 Regner: Crease rule too subjective PAGE 24 How well do you know the Red Wings? PAGE 26 Mantha, Wings return to action Friday PAGE 28 Alfredsson expected to make decision on future before December

Red Wings tired of practicing, pumped to face Chicago By Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 1:48 p.m. EST November 13, 2014 Tomas Tatar has had enough rest and practice. As have his Detroit Red Wings teammates. To their great relief and possibly emotional rescue the Chicago Blackhawks will be at Joe Louis Arena on Friday (7:30 p.m., FSD), ending a four-day spell for the Wings. "I don't like these long breaks," Tatar said today. "Really excited, really looking forward to playing Chicago. They have a really good team, so it's nice to play against them. And I think, for our fans, it's huge, too. We have big rivalry." Defenseman Brendan Smith said he "loves when we get a chance to play them. When I hear Chicago and playing the 'Hawks, I get excited. I always get up for these games. It's fun because you're playing the best players in the world. It's fun to match up against them." Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith discusses why he loves playing the Chicago Blackhawks. Video by Helene St. James / DFP It sure looks like the Wings will be getting back their most dynamic player, Pavel Datsyuk, but even his coach, Mike Babcock, could not get a more definite answer out of Datsyuk than the media. Datsyuk said he will decide after the morning skate whether he's ready to return from a sore groin. Forward Tomas Jurco is being reprieved from healthy-scratch status and will be on a line with Datsyuk, if possible. The Blackhawks have one of the best goal differentials in the NHL (14) but only sit third overall in the Central Division, with a 9-6-1 record. They've got some of the game's most dangerous forwards in Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa, players the Wings know well from years of seeing Chicago regularly while Central rivals. Even after moving East, the Wings still thrill to see their old foes. "It's always a fun atmosphere, it's always an up-tempo, fast, playoff atmosphere," goalie Jimmy Howard said. The fact it's the Blackhawks might be enough to offset the rust that can beset a team during an unusually long layoff. "We had a good week of practice," Babcock said. "We did a lot of teaching, a lot of trying to improve our game. Sometimes the benefits don't show right away, but usually, they do over time. So I'm not as concerned with it as I might be." Much ado about Mantha: General manager Ken Holland plans to watch the Grand Rapids Griffins on Saturday, as it'll give him a chance to see prospect Anthony Mantha, who is scheduled to make his pro debut Friday, after healing from a fractured tibia. Babcock said Mantha has "got to get traction and get playing real well. If that's next fall that he joins the Red Wings, then great. If it's in two months, then great. You're always watching your prospects with interest. You 're hoping some of your kids turn out to be real good players." 2

Wings miss their frequent matchups with Blackhawks Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 7:34 p.m. EST November 13, 2014 Detroit -- There have been a lot of positive byproducts for the Red Wings moving to the Eastern Conference, but one thing everyone seems to miss is playing the Blackhawks frequently. For players and fans, seeing the Blackhawks only twice a season once at Joe Louis Arena (Friday) and once in Chicago is a disappointment. It will make Friday's 7:30 p.m. game at JLA a special atmosphere, to be sure. "I really enjoy enjoy playing against them and most of the guys in here do, too," Brendan Smith said. Said Jimmy Howard: "I miss a lot of the Central teams, especially Chicago. It's always a fun atmosphere, always an up-tempo, fas, game, and a playoff like atmosphere. And that's what I'm expecting -- a lot of the same tomorrow night." Before realignment, the Wings and Blackhawks met six times each regular season. "One team I miss from the West is Chicago," said Jonathan Ericsson. What sticks in the minds of many Red Wings still is the 2013 playoff series against Chicago, the Blackhawks winning Game 7 in overtime after rallying from a 3-1 series deficit. "Definitely frustrating," said Smith of Brent Seabrook's game-winner off the skate of Niklas Kronwall. "We played really well that year. A lot of people in general ruled us out way before (the playoffs began). It stinks we couldn't finish off that one. "It's tough to swallow still." There are few genuine rivalries in the NHL these days, but Red Wings-Blackhawks is one. "There's a rivalry, there's always been a rivalry, an Original Six rivalry," Smith said. "It's brewed, and it's gotten stronger the last few years." The Blackhawks may not have the record they expected at this point in the season (9-6- 1, 19 points), third in the Central Division. But with scorers such as Jonathan Toews (six goals, 13 points), Patrick Kane (four goals, 10 points) and Marian Hossa (two goals, six assists) it's a highly-skilled, dangerous team. Maybe a bit younger overall, but still dangerous. "I sure think so," coach Mike Babcock said. "They're a very good team. Some of their young guys, they've done a real good job of bringing guys in." Winger Brandon Saad, just 22, was a second-round pick of the Blackhawks in 2011. He's second on the team in scoring with 11 points. 3

"We know who we're playing against," Babcock said. "They're a good team. They must be -- our fans bought up all the tickets. It must be an important game." Jurco playing Tomas Jurco will be in the lineup Friday, Babcock confirmed, after being a healthy scratch the last three games. There was speculation Jurco could be sent to minor-league affiliate Grand Rapids, with Stephen Weiss (groin) almost ready to return. But Weiss isn't quite ready, and Babcock might use Jurco on a line with Pavel Datsyuk (groin) who is likely to return from a twogame absence -- and Justin Abdelkader. "Whether he plays on a line with Pavel or whether I change things around depending on whether Pavel plays, I expect him (Jurco) to play hard," Babcock said. "As long as he gets scoring chances and is working hard, is good defensively, everything is positive." Ice chips Weiss will remain out of the lineup for at least another game or two. "He's dealing with (trainer) Piet (Van Zant) every day," Babcock said. "He's out there, he's working hard, and obviously these are huge decisions. When he comes back in, he can't afford to get hurt again. He has to get some traction." Daniel Alfredsson reportedly could decide on his future -- retire or continue playing -- before Dec. 1. The Red Wings have barely heard from Alfredsson, 41, who is troubled by a bad back. Babcock doesn't sound like he'll be glued to updates on prospect Anthony Mantha making his debut in Grand Rapids this weekend. "Not really," Babcock said. "When we see Pavel get back, never mind a kid who hasn't played in the NHL (Datsyuk) has to get traction and get playing real well." Red Wings vs. Blackhawks Faceoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Joe Louis Arena, Detroit TV/radio: FSD.97.1 Outlook: Chicago has the best penalty kill in the NHL (91.7 percent) and the Red Wings are second (88.7 percent). G Corey Crawford ranks among the league leaders in goals-against average (1.76) and save percentage (.931). Detroit News LOADED: 11.14.2014 4

Fast-paced game against former Western rival Blackhawks could help Red Wings shake the rust Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com on November 13, 2014 at 7:04 PM, updated November 13, 2014 at 7:05 PM DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings might be a little rusty following a four-day break. Facing the Chicago Blackhawks should raise their level of engagement. These matchups have been few and far between since the Red Wings moved to the Eastern Conference in 2013-14. Players say they enjoy games against the Blackhawks, citing the atmosphere and the high tempo. "Those were the fun games," defenseman Jonathan Ericsson said. "We'll find new competitors and rivals in the East, but I sure miss playing these guys. "It's a fast game always. It's a game with a lot of battles in it." Their lone meeting at Joe Louis Arena is on Friday (7:30, Fox Sports Detroit). They'll play in Chicago on Feb. 18. "We always have great fans, but you know they're going to get some fans in this building as well," Detroit's Gustav Nyquist said. "That, with the type of game they play, is going to be fun." The Blackhawks are off to a so-so 9-6-1 start, going 5-6-0 in their past 11 games. But they're third in the league in goal differential (plus-14) and first in shots per game (38.1) by a wide margin (Minnesota is second at 33.9). They added Brad Richards in the off-season to a stacked lineup featuring forwards Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp and defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. "They can put the puck in the net," Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard said. "They play a puck-possession game, they can roll four lines, they got great defensemen, and they got a great goalie in (Corey) Crawford. So it's going to be a tall task for us." Jimmy Howard on the Blackhawks Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard talks about facing the Blackhawks Friday. The Red Wings (7-3-5) beat the Blackhawks 5-4 in a shootout at JLA last season. It is their lone victory in their past nine regular season meetings with Chicago (1-4-4). "They want to play an offensive type of hockey," Nyquist said. "They move the puck well and their whole team skates real well, so it's going to be a good matchup for us. We think we're a fast team this year, too, so it's going to be fun with two teams with a lot of speed." Despite their firepower, the Blackhawks have been strong defensively. They are second in the NHL in goals against (1.88) and first in penalty killing (91.7 percent). 5

The Red Wings have scored two power-play goals in each of their past three games. "It's a challenge every night no matter who you're playing, so we're going to have to do the same thing and work real hard at it and be detailed in our approach and attack," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said of the power play. "The more we attack the better chance we have to be successful. Nothing's going to change there." One thing the Red Wings need to change is their starts over the past five games (1-1- 3). The layoff will challenge them in this respect. "I'd like to tell you I'm going to line up and the moon and the stars and make sure that stuff doesn't happen, but that's not reality," Babcock said. "We had a good week of practice; we did a lot of teaching, trying to improve our game. "Sometimes the benefits don't show right away but usually they do over time, so I'm not as concerned as I might be. They're a high-end team. It should be fun." Michigan Live LOADED: 11.14.2014 6

Goalie Petr Mrazek prepares for extended commute between Grand Rapids and Detroit Peter J. Wallner pwallner@mlive.com By Peter J. Wallner pwallner@mlive.com on November 12, 2014 at 10:30 PM, updated November 13, 2014 at 5:04 PM GRAND RAPIDS, MI Petr Mrazek is a goalie torn by two cities. He may get a few opportunities to display what he can do in Detroit over the next month or so, but he also needs to stay sharp in the meantime. That s where Grand Rapids came in to play on Wednesday. The 22-year-old, expected to bounce between Grand Rapids and Detroit because of a shoulder injury that has sidelined Jonas Gustavsson, saw his first action since Oct. 31 and had 25 saves for the Griffins in a 5-3 win against the Lake Erie Monsters at Van Andel Arena. I felt great, Mrazek said. I think there were some good saves and at the end (when Lake Erie had a six-on-four) guys blocked so many shots the last 30 seconds when I didn t have my stick. "But I felt really good, guys were helping me out and calling for the puck behind the net. Mrazek was perfect for two periods before a three-goal third. Mrazek is accustomed to the commute. He was recalled six times last season and got into nine games with the Red Wings. He played well, too, with 1.74 GAA, two shutouts and.927 save percentage. This season, he has gotten off to a slow start with the Griffins with a 3.03 GAA and.854 save percentage coming into the Lake Erie game. In his last game, he was pulled in the second period after four goals in 15 shots at home against Chicago. So it was a welcomed performance for the Griffins, who snapped a six-game losing streak with their first home win. I thought Petr played real well in the first, when the game was more even than the score indicated and gave us a chance to build a big lead, said coach Jeff Blashill. I certainly can t fault him on any of the goals against. I thought he took a good step forward. This season s travel plans may play out a little differently for Mrazek. He may get more opportunities with Gustavsson, who is expected to be out two months with a shoulder injury incurred Nov. 5. But that will be sporadic, and he could be return to Grand Rapids as the schedule plays out between the two teams. It s a little harder because (you re not) always with one team but I m trying to do my best, Mrazek said. I m trying to rest after practice and sleep more and be ready. 7

As it is, Mrazek is expected to start again Friday against Texas and then trade places in Detroit with veteran Griffins goalie Tom McCollum, who will likely start against the Stars on Saturday. Petr s seen enough of other guys go back and forth, Blashill said, He understands that you have to really focus in and make sure you re playing great when you re down here. Otherwise, the opportunities you want up there disappear. The Griffins have Jared Coreau as the other backup. The Red Wings, who have been off this week, host the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday and Montreal on Sunday. Lake Erie Monsters 3 at Grand Rapids Griffins 5 - Status: Final Wednesday, November 12, 2014 - Van Andel Arena Lake Erie 0 0 3-3 Grand Rapids 2 2 1-5 1st Period-1, Grand Rapids, Callahan 3 (Pulkkinen, Athanasiou), 15:09. 2, Grand Rapids, Pulkkinen 5 (Athanasiou, Jensen), 18:09. Penalties-Siemens Le (interference), 1:10; Gervais Le (tripping), 4:00; Pulkkinen Gr (hooking), 5:41. 2nd Period-3, Grand Rapids, Callahan 4 4:40. 4, Grand Rapids, Sproul 1 (Aubry, Campbell), 7:37. Penalties-No Penalties 3rd Period-5, Lake Erie, Bourke 1 (Stollery, Henley), 3:16. 6, Lake Erie, Henley 1 (Bourke), 12:55. 7, Lake Erie, Agozzino 3 (Noreau), 18:00. 8, Grand Rapids, Athanasiou 2 (Callahan), 19:50 (SH EN). Penalties-Agozzino Le (tripping), 15:46; Hoggan Gr (double minor - high-sticking), 18:59. Shots on Goal-Lake Erie 6-10-12-28. Grand Rapids 6-9-7-22. Power Play Opportunities-Lake Erie 0 / 2; Grand Rapids 0 / 3. Goalies-Lake Erie, Pickard 3-4-1 (13 shots-9 saves); Will 0-2-0 (8 shots-8 saves). Grand Rapids, Mrazek 2-2-0 (28 shots-25 saves). A-3,798 Referees-Darcy Burchell (42), Nic Leduc (12). Linesmen-Ryan Daisy (90), Shaun Morgan (71). Michigan Live LOADED: 11.14.2014 8

Anthony Mantha's debut: What Griffins coach Jeff Blashill expects Friday from Detroit's top prospect Peter J. Wallner pwallner@mlive.com By Peter J. Wallner pwallner@mlive.com on November 13, 2014 at 4:00 PM, updated November 13, 2014 at 5:03 PM GRAND RAPIDS, MI It seldom happens that the Grand Rapids Griffins hold more interest than parent company Detroit Red Wings, but that may be the case Friday with the pro debut of Anthony Mantha. The 20-year-old Mantha, the most heralded Detroit prospect in years, is expected to play Friday when the Griffins host Texas (7 p.m.) at about the same time the Red Wings host the Blackhawks (7:30 p.m.) x-default ANTHONY MANTHA TIMELINE Anthony Mantha to make debut Friday - 'I'm not putting myself through too much pressure' Red Wings' top prospect Anthony Mantha to practice with Griffins soon, make AHL debut this month Anthony Mantha update: Top prospect moves to Grand Rapids, hopeful CAT scan leads to next step Red Wings top prospect Anthony Mantha is upbeat, says injury is temporary setback Red Wings' top prospect Anthony Mantha out 6-8 weeks with fractured tibia Mantha, the 20th overall selection in the 2013 NHL draft, was expected to compete for the spot with the Red Wings this fall but fractured his right tibia during a prospects game in Traverse City on Sept. 12. The right winger has been practicing with the Griffins for about two weeks, albeit without contact. Coach Jeff Blashill doesn t plan to hold back. I plan on playing him a good amount, he said. I plan on playing him on one of our top lines and on the power play and so he ll play lots of minutes We ve been in the preparation process and hopefully we ve done a good enough job. But I will consult with John Bernal, our trainer, (on what) we feel a certain number of minutes is doable. As for what to expect on the ice, Blashill likes what he has seen in practice, but tempered his enthusiasm because of Mantha s lack of game action. He s a really good player and he looks like he s ready and he will have a good impact, Blashill said. But I would also caution that he hasn t much in the last six months, including summer. 9

If we sit around and hope Anthony Mantha wins us the game, then we re going to be in trouble. If we play real good hockey and Anthony can be a piece of the puzzle, we ll be a better team because of it. The Griffins could use him. They snapped a six-game losing streak with a 5-3 win Wednesday against Lake Erie. They are last in the Midwest Division at 4-6-1-0. Left winger Mitch Callahan, who has practiced on a line with the 6-foot-5, 217-pound Mantha, said his presence should help scoring production. The Griffins are 27th in goals (2.36) and 20th in the power play (14.6) without a goal in their past 11 opportunities. He s a big kid and I know he s strong and he put up, what, 50, 60 goals last year, Callahan said. That s one thing our team needs help this year is goal scoring. So him joining the lineup is going to really help our teams, especially on the power play and hopefully get the power-play numbers going. Last season, Mantha scored 57 goals and had 120 points in 57 games and then added 24 goals and 38 points in 24 playoff games for the Val d'or Foruers of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The Griffins host Texas again on Saturday. Blashill said he is inclined to see how well Mantha performs Friday before deciding his use on Saturday. We ll play him Saturday, but if he is going to have increased ice time, it would be more Friday than Saturday, that s my gut feeling. Blashill said. As for Mantha, he just wants to play in a game. I m not putting myself through too much pressure, Mantha said Wednesday. Everyone knows I suffered through an injury. To be honest, I don t know how the game is going to go. I don t know if I ll play five minutes, 10 minutes, 25 minutes. I really don t know. So I m just preparing myself to bring my best game. A look at Mantha's stats: Michigan Live LOADED: 11.14.2014 10

Red Wings' Tomas Jurco returns to the lineup Friday vs. Chicago; Pavel Datsyuk might be back, too Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com on November 13, 2014 at 1:18 PM, updated November 13, 2014 at 1:32 PM DETROIT - Tomas Jurco will return to the lineup when the Detroit Red Wings, coming off a four-day break, host the Chicago Blackhawks Friday at Joe Louis Arena (7:30, Fox Sports Detroit). Chances are he'll be skating on a line with Pavel Datsyuk. But Datsyuk, who's missed two games with a sore groin, said his status will be determined after the morning skate. Jurco has been a healthy scratch the past three games. "Good young player, works hard, competes hard," Babcock said. "Whether he plays on a line with Pavel or whether I change things around depending on whether Pavel plays I just expect (Jurco) to play hard. When he gets a scoring chance relax, bear down. As long as he gets scoring chances and is working hard and good defensively, everything is positive." Jurco has no goals and two assists in 12 games. "I have to stay ready and work at it. I know it's eventually going to come," Jurco said. "It's a good chance for me to get it going. "Pavel is always one of the best players in the world; it's always good to play with him. This league is hard. Obviously, it's going to help me and I'm looking forward to it and hopefully it helps get me going." Stephen Weiss, who injured his groin two weeks ago, remains out. He has been skating for several days, "He's out there working and obviously it's a huge decision when he decides to come in," Babcock said. "He can't afford to get himself hurt again." Here are the lines they skated with today: Gustav Nyquist-Henrik Zetterberg-Johan Franzen Justin Abdelkader-Pavel Datsyuk-Tomas Jurco Tomas Tatar-Riley Sheahan-Darren Helm Drew Miller-Luke Glendening-Joakim Andersson Daniel Cleary, Andrej Nestrasil and Stephen Weiss (groin, IR) were in gray jerseys usually worn by players who'll be scratched the next game. On defense: Jonathan Ericsson-Niklas Kronwall Kyle Quincey-Danny DeKeyser 11

Brendan Smith-Jakub Kindl Brian Lashoff In goal: Jimmy Howard (starting Friday) Tom McCollum (backing up Friday) Michigan Live LOADED: 11.14.2014 12

Report: Daniel Alfredsson to make decision on future with Detroit Red Wings by Dec. 1 Brendan Savage bsavage@mlive.com By Brendan Savage bsavage@mlive.com on November 13, 2014 at 10:50 AM, updated November 13, 2014 at 11:38 AM It appears as if Daniel Alfredsson is getting close to making a decision on his future. Alfredsson, who has been sidelined by a bad back this season, will make a decision on whether to retire or return to the Detroit Red Wings by Dec. 1, according to a Tweet by Louis Jean of TVA Sports. "Sources say a decision on Daniel Alfredsson's future will likely come before December," Jean reported on Twitter. "If Alfredsson doesn't skate with the Wings in the next week or so, he'll likely retire." Alfredsson spent the first 17 seasons of his NHL career in Ottawa before signing with the Red Wings as a free agent last year. He shared the Red Wings' team scoring lead with 18 goals and 31 assists but was limited to 68 games because of injuries that included his back. Alfredsson, 41, is an unrestricted free agent who has said he won't sign with anyone other than the Red Wings. The Red Wings are giving him all the time he needs to make a decision but said Alfredsson will have to skate in practice for two weeks so they can monitor his progress before deciding whether or not to offer him a contract. Alfredsson served as Ottawa's captain during his final 13 seasons with the Senators. Michigan Live LOADED: 11.14.2014 13

Red Wings' power play will get good test against Blackhawks By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily Posted: 11/13/14, 5:07 PM EST DETROIT >> We re going to see how much the Detroit Red Wings power play has improved Friday night. The Chicago Blackhawks have the top ranked penalty kill in the league, allowing just four goals on 48 chances (91.7 percent). Detroit has scored two power play goals in each of its last three games, going 6-for-13 with the man advantage to raise the unit to 17th best in the league. The power play has been working better and better here, said Gustav Nyquist, who leads the team with four power play goals. Obviously, we want to keep that going, so it will be a good test tomorrow, for sure. The Wings had gone 5-for-46 (10.9 percent) with the man advantage their first 12 games. Obviously, it was a really slow start for us on the power play and now we ve got some goals, Henrik Zetterberg said. Even if we don t score, you have to get the momentum, and we ve done that the last couple of games. Detroit, which finished 18th in the league last season (17.7 percent) on the power play, is just one of two teams this season to score three power play goals in three straight games. I know the power play started slow, had trouble getting into rhythm, maybe had trouble trying to find the back of the net, assistant coach Tony Granato said. But I think all along it s been building. I think it s been really big for us the last week. I think the confidence that group has gained certainly moving forward should be a good thing for us. More help for that unit could come with the addition of Pavel Datsyuk in the lineup. He has missed the last two games with a sore groin. His status will be determined after the morning skate. -- Tomas Jurco could return to the lineup Friday after being a healthy scratch the last three games. He s a good young player, works hard, competes hard. Whether he plays on a line with Pavel or whether I change things around depending on whether Pavel plays I just expect him to play hard. When he gets a scoring chance relax, bear down. As long as he gets scoring chances and is working hard and good defensively, everything is positive, said Babcock. Jurco has no goals and two assists in 12 games. -- Anthony Mantha will make his pro debut Friday in Grand Rapids. He s got to get traction and get playing real well, Babcock said. If that s next fall he joins the Red 14

Wings, great. If it s two months, great. You re always watching your prospects with interest. You re hoping some of the kids turn out to be real good players. Mantha has been sidelined since fracturing his right tibia during a prospects game in Traverse City on Sept. 12. -- According to TVA Sports reporter Louis Jean, Daniel Alfredsson s decision on his future will likely come before December. Jean tweeted Thursday, If Alfredsson doesn t skate with the Wings in the next week or so, he ll likely retire. Alfredsson, who s an unrestricted free agent and led the team in scoring last year, has not been on the ice with the Wings since early September. He turns 42 on Dec. 11. -- Stephen Weiss, Daniel Cleary and Andrej Nestrasil each skated in gray jerseys Thursday, which likely means they re sitting Friday. Macomb Daily LOADED: 11.14.2014 15

Wings prospect Mantha set to debut Friday in Grand Rapids DANA WAKIJI FOX Sports Detroit NOV 13, 2014 4:45p ET DETROIT -- The debut that many hockey fans have wanted to see will finally happen Friday night in Grand Rapids. Anthony Mantha, the Red Wings' first-round choice (20th overall) in the 2013 draft, will make his professional debut after sitting out two months with a fractured right tibia. "I'm not putting myself through too much pressure," Mantha told MLive.com. "Everyone knows I suffered through an injury. To be honest, I don't know how the game is going to go. I don't know if I'll play five minutes, 10 minutes, 25 minutes. So I'm just preparing myself to bring my best game." Mantha suffered the injury during the prospects tournament in Traverse City Sept. 12. Mantha, who turned 20 Sept. 16, won CHL player of the year honors after scoring 57 goals and 63 assists in 57 games during the regular season. He followed that up with 24 goals and 14 assists in 24 games in the playoffs for the Val D'Or Foreurs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Wings coach Mike Babcock cautioned that people shouldn't expect to see the real Mantha at first. "Obviously it's a setback," Babcock said. "We see when Pavel (Datsyuk) comes back in the NHL how long it takes, never mind a kid who's never played in the NHL, so he's got to get traction and get playing real well. "If that's next fall he joins the Red Wings, great. If it's two months, great. You're always watching your prospects with interest. You're hoping some of the kids turn out to be real good players." foxsports.com LOADED: 11.14.2014 16

Wings will be motivated against former division rival DANA WAKIJI FOX Sports Detroit NOV 13, 2014 1:36p ET DETROIT -- The one good thing about trying to get off to a quick start Friday is the Detroit Red Wings will be motivated, as they always are against their former division rival. "We know who we're playing and they're a good team," coach Mike Babcock said. "They must be. Our fans bought all the tickets. I can't get tickets. Must be an important game." Now that the Wings are in the Eastern Conference, they only play the Blackhawks twice a season. "Those were the fun games," defenseman Jonathan Ericsson said. "We'll find new competitors and rivals in the East, but I sure miss playing these guys. It's always special. It's a fast game always. It's a game with a lot of battles in it. There's a rivalry. "If I would say one team I miss the most from the West, it's Chicago." Rivalries are forged in the playoffs and it wasn't that long ago that the Wings and the Blackhawks played a seven-game series that went to overtime in the final game. "It goes off Kronner's (Niklas Kronwall's) skate and finds a way in," defenseman Brendan Smith said. "It's definitely frustrating. I thought we played really well. That year a lot of people ruled us out way before we even started the playoffs. It sucks we couldn't finish off that one. It's all good, but it's tough to swallow still. "I would love to play them as many times as possible. I love playing in Chicago and I love playing them at home." The Wings visit the Blackhawks Feb. 18. FOX SPORTS DAILY NHL TEAM EDITION NHL News To Your Inbox! CHOOSE YOUR TEAM(S) *By clicking "SUBSCRIBE", you have read and agreed to the Fox Sports Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. SUBSCRIBE "Fun team to play against, good speed, a lot of skilled players," forward Gustav Nyquist said. "They want to play an offensive type of hockey. They move the puck well and their whole team skates real well, so it's going to be a good match-up for us, a good 17

measuring stick. We think we're a fast team this year, too, so it's going to be fun with two teams with a lot of speed." Playing the Blackhawks isn't always as fun for a goaltender, but Jimmy Howard welcomes the challenge. "Their goal differential is pretty substantial," Howard said. "They can put the puck in the net. They play a puck possession game, they can roll four lines, they got great defensemen, and they got a great goalie in (Corey) Crawford, so it's going to be a tall task for us." The Blackhawks have scored 44 goals but allowed just 30. The Wings have scored 40 and allowed 37. foxsports.com LOADED: 11.14.2014 18

Notes: Quick start key for Wings Friday DANA WAKIJI FOX Sports Detroit NOV 13, 2014 1:30p ET DETROIT -- It's a little bit of a Catch-22 for the Red Wings going into Friday night's game against the Chicago Blackhawks. On one hand, with four days without a game, they've had a chance to work on some things in practice in addition to getting some rest. On the other hand, it can be difficult to have that jump at the start of a game after so much time off. "I'd like to tell you I'm going to line up and the moon and the stars and make sure that stuff doesn't happen but that's not reality," Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "We're going to do everything we can. We had a good week of practice, we did a lot of teaching, trying to improve our game. Sometimes the benefits don't show right away but usually they do over time, so I'm not as concerned as I might be." The Wings are well aware of the fact that they've had to play catch-up hockey a little too much recently. "I think our last four or five games we've started off pretty slowly," Luke Glendening said. "So to get off to a good start in this game is huge for us." Said Riley Sheahan: "It was obviously nice having some days off to rest and relax but once the puck drops we gotta be ready to play. That's gonna be tough but just gotta focus a little more during warmups and get prepared." SPECIAL TEAMS WILL BE KEY The Wings' power play has gotten in a nice groove after a slow start to the season. FOX SPORTS DAILY NHL TEAM EDITION NHL News To Your Inbox! CHOOSE YOUR TEAM(S) *By clicking "SUBSCRIBE", you have read and agreed to the Fox Sports Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. SUBSCRIBE In each of the last three games, the Wings have scored two power-play goals. But it will be tough against the Blackhawks, who have the top-ranked penalty kill. 19

"It's a challenge every night no matter who you're playing, so we're going to have to do the same thing and work real hard at it and be detailed in our approach and attack," Babcock said. "The more we attack the better chance we have to be successful. Nothing's going to change there." Although the Blackhawks' power play is only 20th in the league, behind the Wings at 17, the Wings know the Blackhawks have plenty of skilled scorers like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and longtime Wings tormentor, Patrick Sharp. But Sharp has been out with a knee injury. JURCO A GO, DATSYUK LIKELY Pavel Datsyuk has practiced all week with the team and looks ready to go for Friday, but said he would decide after Friday's morning skate. Datsyuk was a late scratch before last Friday's game against the New Jersey Devils because of a sore groin. "He's one of the best players in the league, if not the best, so having him in our lineup, it obviously helps a lot," Sheahan said. He creates a lot of offense for us." If Datsyuk goes, he'll play on a line with Justin Abdelkader and Tomas Jurco. "Good young player, works hard, competes hard," Babcock said of Jurco. "Whether he plays on a line with Pavel or whether I change things around depending on whether Pavel plays I just expect him to play hard. When he gets a scoring chance relax, bear down. As long as he gets scoring chances and is working hard and good defensively, everything is positive." Playing with Datsyuk is something everyone on the Wings' team enjoys. "Pavel is always one of the best players in the world, obviously, but it's always good to play with him," Jurco said. "This league is hard, and it's really hard to play here. Obviously, it's going to help me and I'm looking forward to it and hopefully it helps get me going." Jurco has two assists in 12 games this season and was a healthy scratch the last two. foxsports.com LOADED: 11.14.2014 20

Regner: Crease rule too subjective ART REGNER FOX Sports Detroit NOV 13, 2014 11:01a ET Jonas Gustavsson makes the initial save after being screened by Rick Nash, but the rebound went right to Derick Brassard for the Rangers' game-winning goal. Not since the days of Tomas Holmstrom have the Red Wings and their fans been so confused about the NHL's in-the-crease/goalie-interference rule. Three times in just 15 games during this young season, the Wings have come out on the wrong end of the on-ice officials' interpretation of the rule. Oct. 21 at Montreal: Pavel Datsyuk made his season debut and scored a highlight reel goal on a nifty spin-o-rama backhander that gave the Wings a 2-0 lead midway through the third period. But the goal was waved off because the referee ruled that Wings forward Justin Abdelkader came into contact with Canadiens goalie Carey Price, who appeared to initiate the contact. Montreal would eventually tie the game up and win it in overtime, 2-1. Nov. 2 at Buffalo: With 2:32 left in overtime, Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg scored the apparent game-winning goal. But the referee disallowed it, ruling that Wings forward Johan Franzen interfered with Buffalo goalie Michal Neuvirth by establishing himself in the blue paint of the goal crease. Buffalo went on to win the game in a shootout, 3-2. Nov. 5 at New York Rangers: With the Rangers on a power play in overtime, Rick Nash planted himself in front of Wings goalie Jonas Gustavsson to screen him from a shot from the point. Gustavsson made the save, however, in the ensuing scramble, the rebound went right to forward Derick Brassard, who buried the puck into the net for a 4-3 Rangers victory. What upset the Wings on this play was, it appeared that Nash did the same thing that Franzen did in Buffalo -- was slightly in the blue paint, thus interfering with the goalie. To make matters worse for the Wings, Gustavsson separated his shoulder on the play and is out of action for two months. Whenever you talk to a player, a coach or general manager about officiating, they all same the same thing -- consistency is what they desire from the officials. As long as they know how the rule will be called, teams will adjust their game accordingly. And that's the problem with the in the crease/goalie-interference rule -- it's too subjective. So what exactly is the rule? Contrary to popular belief, it's not about being in the blue paint; it's about being in the crease when the goalie wants that space to play his position. If he can't get to where he wants to be, it's interference. 21

These decisions on these goals, whether they call them good or bad, they are critical decisions. Ken Holland "It's a difficult rule to have in black and white; it's an on-ice official call," Wings GM Ken Holland said. "We have toyed with the idea of giving it a video review in Toronto, but any time you go to a video review, the perception is from the fan base and the people in the industry is that you're going to get it right... Well, if it's not black and white, how do you know what's right or what's wrong?" Wings coach Mike Babcock believes that if there's any question about the validity of a goal, then going to Toronto for a video replay is the best solution. "I mean how long would it take for a video replay on all goals? Not long," Babcock told reporters last week. "I think the game is very hard. I think sometimes when we speak as coaches, it comes across as criticism to officials. That's totally wrong. We don't know ourselves. "Wouldn't they (officials) like to be right all the time? Isn't that a critical point of the game? I think the Nash goal in New York should stand. And I think the one in Buffalo should stand. "It doesn't matter what I think. It just matters, let's do it correct all the time." Finding the correct procedure isn't going to be easy, according to Holland, because the game has changed. Goalies are much larger, quicker and mobile than they were even 10 years ago, which has altered how the game is played in front of the net. "In today's hockey, it's a necessary tactic to have a physical presence in front of the net," Holland said. "If you're six to eight feet in front of that crease, the goalie is going to be able to lean his head and look around you. "You need to get right in front of him. They can't stop what they can't see, and if they do make a save, you need somebody there to whack in the rebound or tip and change the direction of the puck." Despite the incident in Montreal, Abdelkader will continue to be aggressive by going hard to net, but he'll try to be more aware of his surroundings -- although he admits that will be difficult. "I am not going to change," he said. "I'm still going to be in that area. I have to be cautious of the crease. FOX SPORTS DAILY NHL TEAM EDITION NHL News To Your Inbox! CHOOSE YOUR TEAM(S) *By clicking "SUBSCRIBE", you have read and agreed to the Fox Sports Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 22

SUBSCRIBE "It's such a quicker action, a bang-bang play, it's tough to look down right at that second and say, 'Oh, my foot's in the crease, I have to take it out.' You just have to be aware of where you're at." Since the interpretation of the rule varies from on-ice official to on-ice official, the NHL might just do nothing and let the status quo of inconsistency remain. Holland told me that there isn't enough support from the league or the general managers for putting Toronto in charge of making the call via video replay. "It's hard to score a goal; it's a hard league; it's a close league; it's a parity league," Holland said. "These decisions on these goals, whether they call them good or bad, they are critical decisions in the overall scheme to the success of a hockey club over 82 games. "I think everybody sort of understands what the rule is. We know what we've got. If we do something, you're not sure what you have. You could be moving into a bigger issue that you're not aware of. "We're moving slowly on it. It's a topic of conversation, but for now, we have what we have." foxsports.com LOADED: 11.14.2014 23

How well do you know the Red Wings? SCOTT HANDLER/Detroit Fan Favorites FOX Sports Detroit NOV 13, 2014 9:55a ET Think you know everything about the Red Wings? Fifteen-plus years spent living, breathing and reading about little else, I've stumbled on more than my fair share of interesting tidbits about Detroit's beloved hockey team. Here are 10 fascinating fun facts that you might not know about the Red Wings: 1. Detroit's hockey team underwent two name changes before settling on the Red Wings in 1932. They were known as the Detroit Cougars from 1926 to 1930, and the Detroit Falcons from 1930 to 1932. (Source) 2. The "winged wheel" logo and nickname started in 1932 when millionaire James Norris Sr. purchased Detroit's struggling team. In a nod to both an amateur hockey team Norris had played for and Detroit's growing reputation in the automobile industry, the new owner changed the team's logo to a winged wheel and renamed the team the Red Wings. (Source) 3. The Red Wings participated in the longest game in NHL history, during a playoff match against the Montreal Maroons in March 1936. The game lasted a total of 176 minutes and 30 seconds, the majority of which took place over six overtime periods. Detroit's Mud Bruneteau would finally score during the sixth overtime to win the game for the Wings and end the game at 2:25 a.m. (Source) 4. Red Wings captain Ted Lindsay was the first player to hoist the Stanley Cup over his head for a victory lap, after winning the 1950 Stanley Cup, thus pioneering a tradition that still stands today. (Source) 5. The tradition of hurling octopuses onto the ice during Red Wings games began during the 1952 Stanley Cup playoffs. Two brothers who owned a fish market in Detroit were the first to throw the eight-legged creature onto the ice at Olympia stadium, symbolizing the number of games the Red Wings had to win to capture the Stanley Cup. The tradition has continued ever since, and the Red Wings' mascot is even an octopus named Al. (Source) 6. The Red Wings were the first NHL team to play an outdoor game, which took place in 1954 outside of a Michigan prison against prison inmates. (Source) FOX SPORTS DAILY NHL TEAM EDITION NHL News To Your Inbox! CHOOSE YOUR TEAM(S) 24

*By clicking "SUBSCRIBE", you have read and agreed to the Fox Sports Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. SUBSCRIBE 7. Marguerite Norris, the president of the 1954 championship Red Wings, was the first female to have her name inscribed on the Stanley Cup. Since then, 11 other women have joined her on the Cup. (Source) 8. During the 1983 NHL draft, the Red Wings had the fourth pick and had planned to draft Detroit native Pat LaFontaine, but took Steve Yzerman instead when the NY Islanders nabbed LaFontaine first. Yzerman went on to become one of the best Red Wings in history, leading the team to three Stanley Cup championships and scoring 1,755 points over his 22-year career in Detroit. (Source) 9. The Red Wings helped left wing Petr KlÃ-ma defect to the United States from Czechoslovakia in 1985. In a bold and risky move by the Red Wings that was rumored to have been planned for some time, executive VP Jim Lites and assistant coach Nick Polano met KlÃ-ma at an undisclosed location in Germany and helped him gain entry into the United States. (Source) 10. Kris Draper was traded to the Red Wings for $1 in 1993, thus earning him the nickname the "One Dollar Man." Draper went on to become an integral part of the famous "Grind Line," win four Stanley Cup championships, and tally 158 goals and 203 assists over his 1,137 games with Detroit. (Source) Weigh in now in our Comments section: What are some of your favorite Red Wings fun facts? foxsports.com LOADED: 11.14.2014 25

Mantha, Wings return to action Friday By Bob Duff / Windsor Star The Detroit Red Wings and their most prized prospect will both make long-awaited returns to action Friday. While the Wings hit the ice for the first time since Sunday, playing host to the Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena, about 500 km up I-96, right-winger Anthony Mantha will suit up for his first game as a professional. The Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit s American Hockey League farm club, play host to the Texas Stars in a meeting of the last two Calder Cup champions. Mantha, Detroit s first-round draft pick in 2013, hasn t played since September after suffering a fractured leg during Detroit s rookie tournament in Traverse City, Mich. The first-year pro was given a solid chance of making the big club out of training camp, but the Wings frankly admit they don t know how long it will take Mantha to get back up to game speed and display his wares to see if he s worthy of an early NHL look. Obviously it s a setback, Wings coach Mike Babcock said. We see how long it takes (Detroit centre) Pavel (Datsyuk) to get up to speed when he comes back to the NHL (from injury), never mind a kid who s never played in the NHL, so he s got to get traction and he s got to get playing well. As to when Mantha might be a Red Wing, at this point that s anybody s guess. If that s next fall, great, Babcock said. If it s two months, great. You re always watching your prospects with interest. You re hoping some of the kids turn out to be real good players. As he makes the transition from junior Mantha played with Val d Or of the QMJHL last season to the pros, he ll face many challenges. He s going from junior, so he s going to have to be shortening his shifts and competing all the time, Babcock said. We haven t seen him at the pro level, so we re going to watch. Babcock was more concerned with the immediate challenge of facing the Blackhawks, who ve won two Stanley Cups since Detroit s last title in 2008. 26

We know who we re playing and they re a good team, he said. They must be. Our fans bought all the tickets. I can t get tickets, so it must be an important game. The Wings expect to have centre Datsyuk (groin) back after a one-game injury absence and will also return right-winger Tomas Jurco, a healthy scratch the past three games, to the lineup. 27

Alfredsson expected to make decision on future before December By Windsor Star Former Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson is expected to make a decision on his playing future with the Detroit Red Wings before December, according to Louis Jean of TVA Sports. The 41-year-old unrestricted free agent, who led the Red Wings in scoring last season, hasn t skated since September after a back injury kept him off the ice. Jean also reported that if Alfredsson does not skate with the Wings in the next couple of weeks, his 19-year career will likely come to an end. Alfredsson played 68 games last season, netting 18 goals and 49 points. 28