from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,
Coach Derek Lalonde has mentioned the last several weeks, along with numerous players, that Husso is arguably the Wings' most valuable player.
If anyone had much doubt, all they had to do was watch Tuesday's game.
"He's playing well for us," said Lalonde, who made a triumphant return to Tampa, where he was an assistant under head coach Jon Cooper the last four seasons. "Did we want play him three of the last four games, probably not. But he's playing at such a high level, it was an easy decision and ended up a good decision, him getting the win."
The combination of Husso (11-4-3, 2.54 goals-against average, .916 save percentage) playing so well, and Alex Nedeljkovic (2-3-2, 3.97 GAA, .880 SVS) struggling, has resulted in a change of plans for Lalonde. The hope was there would be a more equal number of starts between the two goaltenders until, maybe, further down the season one would separate and earn the majority of work....
"Ned will definitely get one of these next two games," Lalonde said.
For his part, Husso was just glad the Wings left Tampa with a victory.
Husso feels in the NHL any team can beat any other team, no matter the record. So skating into Tampa and taking a victory against the three-time Stanley Cup finalists (two of those are championships) was a huge thing to put on the resume.
"That's something we want to do, night after night, and it was a big win for sure," Husso said. "They've been in the finals the last three years so they're a real good hockey team. But with our structure, and all that stuff, it helps. Our guys did a good job, they've been doing a good job the whole season."
more ($)
Every so often someone has left a comment asking for an update on Jakub Vrana.
Tonight I received some information, not earth shattering, but probably what most expected.
Vrana was recently released from rehab and is now attending both AA and NA meetings in the Detroit area on a regular basis.
To refresh your mind, the press release from the NHL/NHLPA on October 19th.
The National Hockey League Players Association and National Hockey League announced today that forward Jakub Vrana of the Detroit Red Wings will be unavailable to his Club for an indefinite period while he receives care from the player assistance program of the NHL and NHLPA.
Under the terms of the joint program, Vrana will continue to be paid while receiving treatment. He will return to the Club when cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators.
Vranas care will be administered pursuant to the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
In the last couple of games, when the camera panned the bench, Nedeljkovic could be seen all slumped down on his stool with a sullen look on his face. He wasn't engaged at all in what was going on. Not a good sign.
My guess is that Hellberg will be Husso's backup next year with Cossa spending the full year here in GR.
Thank you Paul for the update on VRANA. Prayers to the young for a full recovery.
Thanks for the update on Vrana. Doubt we'll hear anything official until he's released from the program and able to rejoin the club, but it's encouraging to hear that he seems to be progressing.
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