The Left Wing Lock

Follow

This wasn’t the start that Petr Mrazek or the Red Wings had hoped for. After a strong opening period in Saturday night’s game against the Blue Jackets, the Red Wings surrendered four unanswered goals.

“Columbus is a tough team,” Mrazek said. “We had a great first period and then the second period was important for them as they scored four goals. They scored two power play goals which hurt us. We have to do better.”

In addition to the untimely penalties, the Red Wings had some of defensive lapses and turnovers in the second period which didn’t help their cause. The Blue Jackets seemed to make Detroit pay for every mistake eventually winning by a 7 to 3 margin.

“For a couple of guys it was their first game of the season and that is probably why we struggled,” Mrazek said. “I think overall our defense is strong. We just have to be better.”

The Blue Jackets were powered by the high flying line of Cam Atkinson, Ryan Johansen, and Tomas Kubalik. The trio combined for three of Columbus’s seven goals against Detroit.

“Johansen’s line is the top in Columbus,” he said. “That line played very well today and we couldn’t find a way to stop them.”

The 6 foot, 162 pound stopper was certainly hoping for a better outing after coming off a disappointing end to his season in Ottawa of the OHL. Mrazek had a stellar regular season playing in 52 regular season games and finishing with a 2.82 goals against and a .920 save percentage. Unfortunately he along with his teammates stumbled in the playoffs being ousted in four straight games to the Sudbury Wolves.

“We had a very good regular season,” he said. “Then a disappointment in the playoffs but still I think it was a great season for me personally.”

Immediately following the early conclusion of his season, the Grand Rapids Griffins signed Mrazek to an amateur try-out contract. The 19 year-old netminder didn’t see any AHL action, but he did get a chance to practice with the team.

“It was great experience,” Mrazek said. “I saw pro hockey and I practiced with the guys. It was amazing because it is very different from juniors.”

The Ostrava, Czech Republic native is also getting a chance to work with former Red Wings goaltender, Chris Osgood, while attending the 2011 NHL Prospects Tournament and training camp. The former goalie turned coach has been actively involved with each of the practice sessions and has helped mentor the three goalies currently in camp.

“Ozzie is a beauty as is Jim Bedard,” Mrazek said. “We have fun but we also work hard. They show me what I need to improve. It is a great experience these two weeks in Traverse City with them.”

Mrazek knows that he will need to soak up all he can as he enters a contract year with the Red Wings. While he has a good  chance at earning a contract with the Red Wings, Mrazek could improve his odds with another stellar season for the 67’s.

“I think we have a better team than last year so I think we can do well in the regular season and hopefully in the playoffs.” he said. “Maybe if I play well Detroit will offer a contract. If that happens it would be the best day in the world.”

Notes

• Detroit Named Brendan Smith the captain of the prospects team. Joakim Andersson and Brian Lashoff were named alternate captains. The Red Wings typically do not name a captain, instead choosing to name three alternate captains. The move clearly signifies how highly Detroit thinks of Smith.
• The Red Wings scratched: Brooks Macek, Gleason Fournier, Nick Oslund, Evan Mosher, Artem Sergeev, and Zach Franko.
• Brendan Smith had a strong outing looking very comfortable on the blue line for the Red Wings.
• Tomas Jurco played alongside Gustav Nyquist and Joakim Andersson for much of the night. The trio had moments of chemistry. Jurco got better as the game progressed.
• Nyquist looked a little bit tentative in his first prospect tournament game. He seems to be much more comfortable in a puck distribution role.
• Richard Nedomlel had a good bout with Adam Payerl. Nedomlel ended up with a very swollen eye after the fight and may have gotten the worst of it.