Detroit — Thomas Vanek and Trevor Daley played with a lot of younger guys when the Red Wings opened their season on Thursday.
The two veterans, both acquired in part to improve the play of those around them, said they mostly like how the young guys have performed in training camp, through the preseason and on opening night.
But, with 81 games to go as a group, Daley and Vanek said the Wings plainly need to play better. There is a lot to clean up.
The Red Wings were far from the attacking, assertive force they hope will constitute a team tough to play against, even if it is not frequently victorious.