The new guys scored, the atmosphere was as cool as it was weird, and ultimately, the Detroit Red Wings were happy to have simulated a game.
With little more than a week left before they host the Carolina Panthers Jan. 14 to open the season, every scrimmage matters. Tuesday’s affair was highlighted by goals from newcomers Vladislav Namestnikov and Marc Staal, and a goal from Mathias Brome, who is trying to make the team.
“To add scoring from different people, I think it’s huge,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “It’s a scrimmage, we’ll take it with a grain of salt, but they still scored.