Adam Erne was drafted just outside of the first round in 2013, No. 33 overall, not a spot where teams take a player they project as a grinder or fourth-liner.
Cleary, Steve Yzerman, Tampa Bay’s general manager when the Lightning selected Erne, saw some scoring potential in the 6-1, 212-pound winger.
Some of that offensive ability has emerged this season with the Detroit Red Wings. Erne has seven goals in 30 games on a team that doesn’t score a lot, playing on a line relied on for defense, forechecking and energy. It equals his career high established with the Lightning two years ago in 65 games.
“He’s starting to come into his own,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. “He’s had to earn his ice time. I haven’t given it to him. As we’ve gone through the season, he’s earned bit by bit a little bit more.”
Erne is tied for third on the team in goals, behind Anthony Mantha and Robby Fabbri, who have 10 each. His line, with Luke Glendening and Darren Helm, has been the team’s most stable unit this season.
“Just playing with confidence every night,” Erne, 25, said. “Blash has given me a role on this team, I’ve kind of just ran with it. I really enjoy playing with Glenny and Helmer. I think we play a similar game that kind of helps us keep it simple and consistent night to night. We don’t turn pucks over. We make it a point to play in the other team’s zone. If there’s a 50-50 play, we always try to keep it smart and make sure we get it in their zone. A lot of nights we do a good job of keeping them in their zone.”
They will face a tough challenge this weekend with two matinee games in Tampa Bay, Saturday (1 p.m., Bally Sports Detroit) and Sunday (noon, NBC). The defending Stanley Cup champions (25-9-2) are tied for the league lead with 52 points. The Red Wings (12-21-5) have lost 16 consecutive regular season games at Amalie Arena, including the past 15 in regulation, dating back to Feb. 17, 2011.
Erne’s work ethic earned him power-play time shortly after the season began. He is now established as the bumper (slot man) on one of the units and five of his 11 points (three goals, two assists) have come on the power play. He is tied with the injured Tyler Bertuzzi for the team lead in power-play goals and only Filip Hronek has more power-play points (eight assists).
“As the coach trusts you a little more you start to understand exactly what he’s looking for from you,” Erne said. “I feel like he’s given me a little bit of a leash to not be afraid to make some plays, as long as they’re not stupid turnovers or whatnot. I feel like I found the ability to make some plays and not just try to grind every shift but be able to create more offense.”
Said Blashill: “Last year he was on the power play a little bit and made just a few mistakes and got taken off. This year he earned it in practice. He was subbing in for somebody and we said, ‘OK, he seems to be doing a good job.’ We put him on, and he’s done a good job time after time. That’s the essence of grab it. He’s done a good job of grabbing more minutes because of the opportunity he’s been given.”
Erne is one of the team’s most-improved players. He scored only two goals in 56 games last season, his first in Detroit, both coming in the same game.
“Last year statistically was not a great year for anybody, especially myself,” Erne said. “I knew I needed to prove again that I belonged.”
Injury update: Blashill said goaltender Jonathan Bernier won’t be ready to play Saturday while forwards Bobby Ryan and Sam Gagner are questionable. All practiced Friday in Tampa.
More: Jonathan Bernier trade debate heats up as deadline nears
The Link LonkApril 03, 2021 at 05:08AM
https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2021/04/red-wings-adam-erne-seized-opportunity-to-add-scoring-to-grind-game.html
Red Wings’ Adam Erne seized opportunity to add scoring to grind game - mlive.com
https://news.google.com/search?q=Red&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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