A lot about being a goalie is blocking out the outside noise, so that objective remains the same,” Lyon said. “They’ve come in and done a really good job and made our lives simpler, so that’s been awesome. But there’s always a nice bump, a feel-good phase, and I always feel like the real work starts after that
TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Lyon feels like he belongs, except he also still feels like he did a decade ago.
He came blazing off the ice Saturday morning at Amalie Arena, laughing when Christian Fischer yelled out, ‘here comes an angry man.’ Not real anger, of course; Lyon just objected to how some of his Detroit Red Wings had used him as target practice, launching pucks at him in bunches. But it did signal a big positive: That Lyon is ready to return, and will make his first start Sunday at the Dallas Stars since leaving Jan. 7 after the first period with an upper body injury.
“I just have to adjust and take a look at what I’m doing and maybe change some things, try some different things to stay healthy,” Lyon said, “because that’s the name of the game. Availability is the best ability.
IN THE CREASE:Red Wings’ Alex Lyon on a goalie’s normal life: ‘Torment & torture’
Lyon ended up getting some action Saturday when the Wings put him in for the third period in the 5-1 loss at the Tampa Bay Lightning in place of Cam Talbot.
This is a a contract year for the 32-year-old Lyon, who until he joined the Wings on a two-year, $1.8 million deal in 2023 was a career minor leaguer with only 39 NHL games to his credit. He has played 60 with the Wings in 1½ seasons, rising from third-string to starter last season. Depending on what happens down the stretch this season, it’s a relationship that could continue. Cam Talbot is signed through next season, but Ville Husso is on an expiring deal, and given how he has struggled (1-5-2 with a 3.69 goals-against average and .866 save percentage), he will not be re-signed. The Wings have 2021 first-round pick Sebastian Cossa developing in the minors, but even if he’s deemed ready to join the Wings for 2025-26, the past couple years have shown the benefit of carrying three goaltenders, as the Wings have needed all of them.
