The Red Wings dropped the ball for their final preseason game, losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2 at home last night.

Fielding as close to NHL rosters as possible, the Blue Jackets controlled the game for much of regulation, with Columbus netminder Jett Greaves stonewalling the Red Wings until the final fifteen minutes of the game. The Red Wings shook their lines up late in the third period after two attempts to bring energy by fighting on ice didn’t work earlier in the game.

The changeup did work somewhat, as Marco Kasper would assist on both of the Red Wings goals last night, finishing the night with two points. The young centerman struggled last year to find the stat sheet, but looks to be back in a more productive form for the upcoming season.

However, last night’s loss certainly did no favors for the Red Wings roster players still on the bubble. Aside from penalties, it was a quiet night from young Red Wings forwards Nate Danielson and Carter Mazur. Axel Sandin-Pellikka also had some rough moments on the blue line.

That perhaps wasn’t outside of expectations for some within the organization, however. For young players, the abbreviated preseason schedule has presented a steep learning curve. Veterans only get two games to get ready before the season starts, and while that leaves more time for youngsters to play, it also means the veterans have a little more urgency to show they’re ready.

“But you could see tonight now, Anton, the game changed a little bit. There are some bigger, faster, more experienced players.” Head coach Todd McLellan said.

The Red Wings should have their ‘final’ roster in place and announced tomorrow morning, though as McLellan pointed out postgame last night, there’s still some time for some moves to be made on paper and transactions to push through before the season starts on October 2.

In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff’s story from the Red Wing’s loss last night

It’s now or never for Carter Mazur if he’s going to make the Red Wings’ roster.

How secure is Mason Appleton’s spot on the Red Wings roster this year after a strong camp?

Todd McLellan has some familiarity with Red Wings waiver claim Andreas Englund.

Netminder John Gibson is quietly one of the pillars the Red Wings will need to lean on this year.

Red Wings Extra

The Grand Rapids Griffins found themselves in the win column for their first preseason game in nearly ten years last night, beating out the Cleveland Monsters 3-1. The Red Wings top farm club actually played last night’s game in the Detroit’s ECHL affiliate Toledo Walleye’s home barn.

Czech netminder Michal Postava stopped 15 of 16 shots for the Griffins.

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