from Ethan Sears of the Wings website,

With Tyler Bertuzzi getting his first taste of preseason action, the Red Wings can breathe a little easier. Besides Jakub Vrana, who will miss the first four months of the season after getting shoulder surgery, all the regulars are projected to be in the Opening Night lineup.

Bertuzzi said pregame he felt nervous coming back from major back surgery, but ultimately excited. The timing, he said, would be the biggest challenge.

"Physicality, I worked out all summer," he said. "I'm stronger and just as strong as I've ever been, so I don't think that's gonna be a major issue. I think it's just timing, getting back to the speed of hockey, game play in an NHL game."

That his night ended with an empty-net goal - teammates surrounding him to celebrate - will make it even better.

"What I liked is, he played without fear," Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. "As I said earlier, it's a hard thing psychologically, when you've been banged up to go in and play without fear and I thought he did it. Obviously blocked a number of shots. Was totally involved in a whole bunch of battles."...

Joe Veleno and Taro Hirose, two forwards who could still be in the mix, picked up the primary and secondary assists on the Red Wings' first goal. Veleno's play in particular stood out, as he found Pius Suter with a between-the-legs pass as a power play expired.

"I just try to go out there and play my game," Veleno said. "I try to leave the distractions out of my head and just kinda focus on playing the game of hockey, and have some fun with it. I guess work as hard as I could and I guess see what the outcome, see what kinda outcome happens."

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Below, watch Veleno and coach Blashill post game.