DETROIT — Derek Lalonde had just finished dissecting the Detroit Red Wings’ 6-1 victory against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday afternoon when the local media turned the page for him. Next up: a game in Chicago filled with memories, featuring the jersey retirement of dual-franchise hero Chris Chelios and Patrick Kane’s return to the United Center.
DETROIT — Derek Lalonde hadn’t had a chance to finish dissecting the Detroit Red Wings’ 6-1 thrashing of the St. Louis Blues on Saturday afternoon when he exclaimed, “I’m selfishly ecstatic,” and he won’t be alone. In what has been another hard year for the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks, retiring Chelios’ number and bringing back Kane will provide an opportunity to reflect on brighter days. Meanwhile, for the Red Wings, who have now won four in a row, it’s another chance to pile up points as they attempt to end a seven-year playoff drought — and to continue to enjoy the fact that Kane is now wearing their sweater. The local media flipped the page for him. Next up: a game in Chicago brimming with nostalgia, merging.
In the previous three days alone, he has handed them an overtime game winner against the Colorado Avalanche, a game-opening goal 33 seconds into their rout of the Blues, and a spectacular two-on-one assist to fellow former Blackhawk Alex DeBrincat. He’s on a seven-game point streak and has 26 points in 26 games with the Red Wings.
And for a guy who has demonstrated an extraordinary sense of timing — both in Chicago and already in Detroit — it’s worth wondering what he has in store for what will definitely be an emotional return to the city where he won three Stanley Cups.
“He’s such a competitor, I think a big-time game,” Lalonde added.
He emphasized that he expects a “really motivated, good Chicago team,” and after reviewing their Friday game against an impressive opponent, the Winnipeg Jets, he felt the Blackhawks deserved to win rather than lose in overtime. They cannot be disregarded on a night when they have every reason to perform at their peak.
Even coaching Kane for However, in a short period of time, Lalonde has come to recognize him as a close competitor.
“I think he thinks he’s 23 again,” Lalonde explained. “He wants every O-zone face-off. I think he was surprised he didn’t play the entire OT (against Colorado); I passed him over for some other players, but that’s how competitive he is. I believe he’ll continue to perform as he has throughout his career. I’m not sure what that will look like.
Detroit, on the other hand, only needs to look like it has in the past. Especially lately. Kane’s hockey intellect is undeniably excellent, and he’s utilized it to carve apart defenses despite being 35 and coming off hip surgery with few examples for successful NHL returns.
