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Emmerton no shock to this system
By Matthew Wuest - RedWingsCentral.com / September 25, 2008Cory Emmerton is a prototypical Detroit Red Wings forward, with a gifted offensive mind and the puck-possession skill to match.
The 20-year-old first-year pro fit right into the Stanley Cup champions' system on Thursday night, collecting a goal and an assist in a 4-3 pre-season victory over the Boston Bruins in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
"It's a lot more fun to play with the puck than without it, and 90 percent of the game, it seems Detroit has the puck," Emmerton said. "It's very fun to play in that system and it makes it a lot easier. It's a good fit for me."
It was just the second exhibition game of Emmerton's career, and he made his mark early, picking off a Bruins breakout pass in the neutral zone and letting a slap shot rip from the top of the faceoff circle that beat Tim Thomas at 4:11 of the first period. He also assisted on a goal from Brett Lebda.
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| First-year pro Cory Emmerton says he is 100 percent after battling mononucleosis last season. (Photo: Red Wings Central). |
Emmerton, fresh out of the Ontario Hockey League, had a regular shift and saw power-play time as the Red Wings rolled the lines.
"It was a thrill just to be playing and to score was the icing on the cake," he said. "It was nerve-wracking to start, but I played their system.
"When you play the Red Wings' system, you're going to get those chances to get goals and points, and I was lucky enough to do that."
The 6-foot, 190-pounder had good jump all night, showing improved speed from his junior days and working hard on the forecheck. At one point, he made a great play to strip a Bruins defenseman of the puck, but was called for hooking. At least Henrik Zetterberg was around ease his wait in the box.
Zetterberg picked off a defenseman-to-defenseman pass at his own blue line and didn't show a spec of rust, streaking down the left wing on a shorthanded breakaway. Thomas made the initial stop, but Zetterberg cut in front for the rebound and spun around to slam it home on his forehand.
"That made me feel a little better," Emmerton said with a laugh.
Emmerton, who had mononucleosis last season, recharged his batteries in the summer by taking a vacation with friends after a brief call-up to the Grand Rapids Griffins for the American Hockey League playoffs.
He spent the rest of the summer working out and improving his foot-speed, and is expected to spend the season in Grand Rapids.
"It too me a real long time to get back," Emmerton said. "But I'm 100 percent."
— Darren Helm was all over the ice and without a question belongs at the NHL level, if last year's playoff performance wasn't enough. But it seems likely he'll be sent to Grand Rapids, where he could have a huge year.
— Jonathan Ericsson is one of those prospects who naturally jumps out with his size, mobility and smooth skills. Playing his second game in as many nights, the 6-foot-5 defender paired regularly with Logan Pyett.
— Darren Haydar, a former AHL MVP, and Jamie Tardif, a little-known prospect who signed a two-year contract with the Wings last year, had some good shifts in the third, working hard down low and generating chances.
— Brad Stuart was Detroit's most physical defenseman, delivering some heavy hits. He also scored the game-winner against his former team.
— Mattias Ritola, Darren McCarty, Logan Pyett and Andreas Lilja were players who didn't set themselves apart in any particular area.
— Goaltender Daniel Larsson was solid in second-half duty.
— Jiri Hudler made some timely defensive plays, which is going to help him solidify his spot on a scoring line with Zetterberg and Johan Franzen.
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