2024-10-05 17:28:00
Marco Rossi expects a lot of ice time at the start of the NHL season. Austria’s ice hockey star is said to be stronger than ever and has a good chance of finding himself in Minnesota’s parade line in the opener against Columbus. The Vorarlberger, who impressed with 21 goals and 20 assists in the previous season, could play as a center between the Wild’s top stars Kirill Kaprizow and Mats Zuccarrello. Marco Kasper also promoted himself on Friday with two goals.
During Minnesota’s dress rehearsal against the Chicago Blackhawks, coach John Hynes put Rossi on the first line again for two thirds, after which Joel Eriksson Ek was tested. Rossi made it 1-0 (8th) in the power play in the 6-0 win and set up another PP goal. In the last three games he has two goals and three assists.
Kasper scored the first two goals in the 3-4 overtime defeat against Ottawa for his Detroit Red Wings club. “It’s always fun to score a goal. It’s all about winning the game and helping the team win,” said Kasper, who almost scored a hat trick while outnumbered.
“Excellent energy, the finish is also there,” said Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde, praising the Carinthian’s progress, who still looked “like a deer in headlights” in 2023. “It’s a recognition of how much he’s developed in a year. He had a really good camp, he’s an exciting player.” Kasper has now played on two consecutive evenings, but he is allowed to take a break from the dress rehearsal on Saturday (today) in Toronto. Despite his strong training camp, the 20-year-old will probably start the season with the AHL farm team Grand Rapids Griffins.
The 23-year-old Rossi is entering his second full season with Minnesota after initially being slowed by the aftermath of a Covid infection (November 2020). For the striker it means recommending himself for a future in the Wild jersey. After this season, his $863,000 contract expires.
“Wherever Hynes puts me, I just try to play my game and do my best,” Rossi said before the game. “When you play with Zuccy and Kirill, of course you know what to expect. And you know what you have to do. Be ready for the puck, get them the puck, go into the difficult areas. I’m just trying to continue to develop and to have more self-confidence.”
The NHL season officially started on Friday in Prague, with the New Jersey Devils defeating the Buffalo Sabers 4-1 before the two teams met again on Saturday. The Devils won again, this time 3-1. The starting signal in North America is on Tuesday.
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