Bertuzzi vs. Bertuzzi at Red Wings training camp
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Day 2 of Red Wing training camp featured a spirited scrimmage between Team Lindsay and Team Howe, with Gordie’s guys scoring two late goals in a 2-0 victory.
Rookie defenseman Max Nicastro and seasoned veteran Daniel Alfredsson accounted for the scoring Friday, but the highlight of the game was watching an uncle and his nephew square off on opposite sides.
Todd Bertuzzi lined up against his nephew Tyler, and although the elder Bertuzzi was low-key about the matchup, young Tyler was extremely jacked up.
“It was obviously exciting," Tyler said. "Growing up, I watched him play all of the time with the Red Wings, and in Florida and Vancouver.
"Last year, I went to a few Red Wings games, and just to be on the ice with him was pretty exciting.”
Tyler was drafted this summer by the Wings during the second round, 58th overall, in a move that surprised many -- even Tyler. But Todd was impressed by what he saw at Friday’s scrimmage.
“I played a couple of shifts (against him)," Todd said. "At least I was able to watch and see how he was doing. He looked pretty good out there.
"I think sometimes when you’re younger, you get kind of running around out there. But I thought he made a couple of nice plays and did well.”
Uncle and nephew lined up against each other once in each period, which was a bit nerve-wracking for the younger Bertuzzi.
“I was a little nervous," Tyler said. "He likes to joke around -- like off the draw, he slashed me and stuff. We’re related, but you still have to play hard out there and do what you have to do.
“We talk all of the time. We’re going to go out to dinner tonight. He’s always going to be there for me, he’s always going to have advice. He knows what to do.”
You can tell by the way Todd talks about Tyler that he's full of pride and affection for his nephew.
“It was a neat experience,” Todd said. “He’s a kid that likes to get running around and set the tone.
"I know he’s trying to work on his skill game and trying to take care of the puck a little bit better. This is a step in the right direction for him.”
The two took some photographs together, which Todd plans to send back to family. He’ll also call home and give his sister an update on her son's progress.
HOWARD ON OZZIE THE BROADCASTER
While Wings goalie Jimmy Howard gets back into the routine of another NHL season, he’s confident that he’ll build upon last’s year’s solid season.
What he's not so sure about is how his former teammate and coach, Chris Osgood, will fare in the broadcast booth for FOX Sports Detroit.
“I’ve got to make sure everything is off the record when he calls my phone,” Howard joked. “He can’t be using anything (on the air).
“It should be great. Give him a couple of games to get his feet under him and being in front of the camera. He’s the type of guy that enjoys that spotlight. I think, for the most part, he wants to get back on the team plane.
“He probably just wants to go back out on the road with us.”