Decisions looming on blueline depth

[Shutemdown 23]

Link:

http://www.redwingscentral.com/stories/200.../21_Roundup.php

Some highlights:

— Team Abel defeated Team Sawchuk 4-3 in intra-squad play on Saturday. Swedish forward Dick Axelsson scored twice and Randy Cameron had a goal and an assist to pace Team Abel to victory. Ericsson had the other goal. Dan Cleary, Kris Draper and Mikael Samuelsson scored for Team Sawchuk.

— Both of Axelsson's goals were the result of driving the net.

"He's a good skater with very good puck control," Ericsson said. "His first goal just shows he's really good in front of the net. He's got very nice potential."

— The line of Darren Helm, Ville Leino, and Downey provided grit, speed and skill as they generated multiple scoring chances. Leino, the reigning Finnish SM-Liiga MVP, was particularly impressive.

"I think (Leino's) blessed with talent and the puck follows him around," Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock said. "He's like a lot of guys when they first come from Europe. He passes the puck and watches it instead of passing it and taking off skating."

— As the players were getting ready to leave the rink, Cleary approached a member of the equipment staff and said, "We need to order a new pair of sandals for Conks (Ty Conklin). He has the Pittsburgh Penguins logo on the pair he's wearing and they need to go in the trash — he has no choice. It's unacceptable!"