It wasn’t the Dallas Stars’ best work. They have only one first-round pick in the lineup. The Dallas prospect group seemed to be short on speed and skill. That’s what happens when you are a contender for several years in a row.  The Detroit Red Wings boast three first rounders, including Axel Sandin Pellikka. He’s considered one the NHL’s Top 25 prospects.

But that doesn’t mean the Red Wings deserve less accolades for the skill, speed and effort they showed in their 6-2 win against the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of their prospect series in Frisco, Texas Saturday.

Here are four takeaways from that game:

1. Why MBN Has a Shot to Make Roster

We wrote earlier this summer that we could see a scenario in which Michael Brandsegg-Nygard makes the Detroit roster as a fourth-line grinder and given an opportunity to play his way up to a scoring line. His grit, his desire to be physical, gives him edge over other prospects. He plays an NHL style game. The Norwegian showed that again in Game 1 with his hard-nosed play and his goal and two assists.

With his shot and instincts, he can be an NHL scorer. But it’s other attributes that will help him get to the NHL sooner. Undoubtedly, the Red Wings have taken note is that he seems to improve every game. He was like that in the Swedish Hockey League playoffs, and with his short time with Grand Rapids last season.

Undoubtedly, he could benefit from more time in Grand Rapids, but it feels like he has a shot at making the big club.

2. Sandin-Pellikka and Buium Pairing

Based on what we saw in Game 1, coach Dan Watson may be looking to play them together in Grand Rapids (if Sandin-Pellikka doesn’t make the Red Wings).

It seems like a good fit. Sandin-Pellikka is a gifted offensive player about to play his first season of North American Hockey. Buium has won two NCAA championships with Denver and enjoyed a solid first AHL season. With William Wallinder close to being ready for the NHL, Buium seems poised to take the next step in his development.

He looked more confident offensively against the Stars. Both Sandin-Pellikka and Buium scored goals for Detroit.

3. Amadeus Lombardi Controls Play

Let’s not forget Lombardi put up 40 points in 44 games last season in the AHL. He wasn’t supposed to play in this tournament but was called in when Detroit’s Carter Bear and Jakub Rychlovsky couldn’t play because of injuries.

Lombardi was noticeable every shift he played against Dallas. He told the media after the game that his goal this season is to improve his defensive game. He sounds very much like a young player who knows he has the ability to play in the NHL if he can refine his game and find his place on the Detroit roster.

4. What about Rudy?

He drew attention for the first time last season with a lengthy unbeaten streak after he jumped from the USHL to the CHL. His job in this series, and into his QMJHL League season, is to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke.

That quest began impressively in Game 1 when he gave up no goals in two periods of work. He wasn’t tested severely, but he stopped every puck that came his way. He had a big presence in the net. Watson liked what he saw.