Saturday Red Wings Three Things: Dries Happy to be Home

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThree Things is a quick breakdown of what you need to know today about the Detroit Red Wings. It’s bite-size news you can absorb quickly. Consider it your daily cup of coffee covering all things Red Wings.Red Wings Dries loves home cooking: Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan admitted that local first isn’t the priority when scouting players for the team. Still, it’s hard not to be excited for center Sheldon Dries, who’s from the Detroit suburbs of Macomb Township. “The fact he gets to play in front of family and friends every night is special,” McLellan said. “I’m sure every one of our players would like to do that.” Well, there is that one guy. But yes, every time he pulls on the winged wheel jersey, Dries feels a deep connection. “It’s the best,” Dries said. “Oh yeah, grew up a big Wings fan. It’s a little different being called up now. I get to stay at my own house. It’s not in a hotel room or anything like that, so my whole family’s able to come with my wife and daughter and my dog. So that’s what makes it a lot easier being so close.”Wallinder feeling like he belongs: A month into his NHL career, Red Wings defenseman William Wallinder has a much better sense of what it takes to succeed at this level. “It’s becoming a lot easier, just knowing the way around the game, how every team plays,” Wallinder said. “It’s different every night, so you just gotta be prepared when you get here every day and focus on every game. It’s just one day at a time.Another tough foe on the docket: Saturday, Detroit begins a four-game road trip at Colorado. When they’re done, the Red Wings will have played three of their past four games against three of the past four franchises to win the Stanley Cup – Colorado, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Florida Panthers. “I think, but you got to be aware when you’re on the ice who you’re playing against,” Wallinder said of the challenge. “Maybe be a little more aware when the star players are out there. Be more ready for loose pucks and stuff. You can’t just sit back. You’ve got to be on your toes.”