Kanata, Ontario – The Detroit Red Wings begin many of their team meetings with video clips from their most recent game, with highlights of puck battles and players who had the biggest physical impact.
It’s noteworthy that, according to coach Jeff Blashill, many of those videos feature forward Darren Helm.
“What Helmer has done tons is, you have a puck race and who is going to win the puck race? He’s really showed up physically,” said Blashill after Thursday’s morning skate. “Not necessarily the big hits, but winning all those loose puck races.”
And make no mistake, that’s crucial to any team’s success, because if you win the race to the puck and control it, you have an opportunity to create offense.