from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,
Since moving into playoff position Feb. 23 with a victory over the New York Rangers, the Wings have gone winless in six games and dropped into 12th place in the Eastern Conference.
"We beat the Rangers, we're above the playoff line with games in hand," Lalonde said. "It's flipped in a hurry and I understand some of that. It (disappointment) was still there on the weekend. We talked about it, tried to snap the guys out a little bit. I understand the reality of it, but now it’s time....
"I get it, there's five or six guys out of the lineup pre-injury, deadline, but this weekend is an example, those games were extremely winnable," Lalonde said. "It's on me to get the group motivated and to stay on track here."
Lalonde is hopeful the fact the Wings now have their roster, with no more roster upheaval on the way, will help stability. The Wings have three more minor-league recalls allowed but will use them judiciously.
"Our lineup is settled, these are our 12 forwards, these are our seven defensemen," Lalonde said. "Hopefully we can get some rhythm and find ways win some tight games like we could have on the weekend."...
Prospects such as defenseman Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson are likely to be better served seeing ample ice time in Grand Rapids.
"We got to be smart about it," Lalonde said. "We want to play some of our young guys, give them opportunity in significant roles."
more ($) on the Wings...
They're not going to bring up anyone who is a ELC slide candidate for more than 9 games. For the record (in case you weren't aware), Berggren was not a slide candidate when they brought him up.
I do hope they give 9 to some of the GR guys. GR is also not a playoff team so you can’t even really argue “their games matter,” a cliche I cannot stand hearing anyway. May as well let guys like Edv get a taste of what the show is like, especially if someone ends up injured.
Nah, I'd MUCH rather have guys stay in GR if they're in the thick of a playoff race, esp when the other alternative is playing out the string on a season that's basically over.
They’re def not in the thick of anything, except the cellar.
Based on the comments made by Yzerman, I think its more likely that we see Johansson than Simon.
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