Detroit Red Wings: Bobby Ryan makes debut, Frans Nielsen scratched
By Bob Heyrman
The Detroit Red Wings host the Carolina Hurricanes once again Saturday night inside Little Caesars Arena for the second straight time. Detroit will try and avenge the season-opener a few short days ago by adding some much-needed firepower to their lineup. Veteran forward Bobby Ryan is set to make his Red Wings’ debut.
General Manager (GM) Steve Yzerman added Ryan, looking for a fresh start after being bought out by the Ottawa Senators met with Yzerman and shortly thereafter struck a one-year deal worth a mere $1 million.
I don’t know what the Red Wings’ legend said, but it coaxed Ryan to nearly immediately after returning home tell his wife that he thought they needed to sign in Detroit.
As it’s widely known, the Detroit Red Wings are rebuilding, which means it can be difficult to land some veteran free agents. Usually, by the time a player hits their mid-30s like Ryan, who is almost 34-years old, looks to join a playoff contender in hopes of making a run at the Stanley Cup, especially if they haven’t been fortunate enough to win one yet in their career like Ryan.
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If you were wondering, Ryan joined the Ducks as a rookie the year following their Stanley Cup Championship back in 2007 over the Ottawa Senators.
Bobby Ryan will be a welcomed sight Saturday in the lineup after the Detroit Red Wings only mustered a mere 14 shots on goal, losing 3-0 Thursday.
Head coach Jeff Blashill has Ryan opening the evening alongside Robby Fabbri and Filip Zadina on Detroit’s second line. The veteran winger has amassed 555 points in 833 games over his 13 year NHL career.
Frans Nielsen will be a healthy scratch in this one.
The Red Wings were outshot 43-14 Thursday, leaving newly acquired netminder Thomas Greiss on an island, making 40 saves on 42 shots before the Hurricanes hit the empty net, icing the contest.
The Detroit Red Wings will start Jonathan Bernier in goal Saturday as Blashill starts what is expected to be a 50/50 split between him and Greiss throughout the 2021 season.
How to watch:
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
When: 7:00 PM Eastern
Television: FSD Plus
Radio: 97.1 The Ticket, 1270 AM
DraftKings Odds: -235 Hurricanes
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Bernier was a lone bright spot last year for the ‘clipped Wings,’ playing to a 15-22-3 overall record with a 2.95 GAA (goals-against average) and .907 save percentage. Look for Bernier to once again establish himself in goal in what is a contract year for him heading into next offseason.