My Three Thoughts on Red Wings-Penguins (preseason edition)

DETROIT — NHL preseason hockey is one of the greatest farces in professional sports.

There are data points to be had for individual players, but any team assessment is pointless. Because of the number of preseason games — Detroit plays eight for example — teams typically send an AHL roster, or worse, on the road while NHL-caliber players typically play the home games.

Add in the fact that the road team travels on the day of the game for preseason, and it creates an environment where a home NHL roster is hosting an AHL visitor. The home team typically dominates possession, while the visitors keep the game closer because of effort plays and spotty preseason goaltending.

And that’s what happened on Tuesday when the Detroit Red Wings hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins and won 4-3. Detroit had a 33-22 edge in shots and it was pretty sloppy all around.

Since nothing about this game will reflect either team’s regular season, observations from this game, and most preseason games will be based on individuals rather than team structure or results.

1. Nate Danielson is going to be a good NHL player.
   
   I love the vantage point from the press box at Little Caesars Arena. It’s high above the ice, almost like looking down at a chessboard, here’s a picture of my typical view.

   

   With this vantage point you gain a better appreciation for the flow of the game. The positioning of the players, puck transitions, how teams and players build their approach to the overall game.