In a Detroit Red Wings season awash with negativity, the promotion of Michael Brandsegg-Nygard to a scoring line has been a major positive for the organization.
MBN had two assists in Detroit’s 5-2 win against the Vancouver Canucks to give him eight points on the season. That ties him with San Jose Sharks rookie Ivar Stenberg for the rookie points lead.
MBN’s eight points in 10 games versus Stenberg’s eight in 11 makes MBN slightly more productive. But Stenberg boasts three goals compare to Brandsegg-Nygard’s two.
Brandsegg-Nygard also leads all rookies in plus-minus with a +10.
Red Wings lines tonight: projected lineup and starting goalie →
The physical Norwegian’s ability to thrive in a top six forward role is among reasons why the Red Wings have managed to claw their way to a slightly-better-than-expected 4-3-3 record.
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Brandsegg-Nygard leads the team with 39 hits. That total also places him tied for 12th in the NHL in the early going.
He boasts a quick release, hard shot and a willingness to drive hard to the net.
Said Detroit coach Todd McLellan:”(This) shows you exactly how important he is to our team, or our organization. We need him.”
Red Wings Extra
At 37, former Red Wings player Luke Glendening still has abilities that NHL teams find desirable. The New York Rangers signed him to one-year contract Wednesday after a brief PTO tryout.
He is replacing another former Red Wings player, Joe Veleno, who is out with a long-term injury. The former University of Michigan player has logged 934 games wearing an NHL Jersey.
