David Legwand talks about his Red Wings debut
By Michael Caples –
DETROIT – It was an unusual game for any member of the Red Wings.
It was a little bit more so for David Legwand.
The Grosse Pointe Woods native made his Red Wings debut Thursday night – the same night Detroit formally retired Nicklas Lidstrom’s No. 5 jersey.
That meant that the first time he stepped out onto the ice for warm-ups as a member of the Original Six club, he was wearing a No. 5 jersey as a tribute to a former foe – and starting almost an hour later than usual.
“It was a little interesting at the start there, getting into the normal routine,” Legwand said with a smile, “but it will go better as the games go on and we get into more games here.”
Legwand played for 16:02 in his first game with the new club, recording two shots and a -2 rating. He was originally given an assist on the Red Wings’ first goal, but it was later changed to fellow Michigan native Danny DeKeyser.
The Little Caesars, Compuware and Plymouth Whalers product said it’s been a whirlwind day and a half since he was traded from Nashville, the team that drafted him No. 2 overall in 1998.
While the night wasn’t a typical game for the Wings – the opening face-off didn’t take place until roughly 8:30 p.m. – Legwand said he was glad to be a part of the Nick Lidstrom retirement ceremony.
“They honored an unbelievable hockey player tonight,” the Michigan native said. “We were excited to be a part of it and get to see him send it up to the rafters. It was fun.”
As far as the game went – a 3-2 overtime loss for Detroit – Legwand said that the Wings came close on plenty of chances, just couldn’t convert. He also thought the opposing Colorado Avalanche got a little too much assistance.
“I think we gave up a few free ones to them tonight,” Legwand said. “I think they got a couple freebies, and then we’ve got to take care of the puck and manage the situations and do the right things.”
He won’t have much time to adjust to his new surroundings before the next game; the Wings welcome the Devils to Joe Louis Arena for a game tomorrow night.
“It’s been an interesting 24 hours,” Legwand said. “It was good to get the first one in. Good to come in and see all the guys and get the first one under your belt and be ready for tomorrow night.”