DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings signaled they won’t be pushed around during Friday’s heated, physical preseason game against Ottawa, much to the delight of coach Derek Lalonde.

They suffered a seven-minute power play when Austin Watson subbed in for Moritz Seider, but it was worth it.

“I like it. I think it gave our guys energy,” said Lalonde. “Of course Mo is a very important player for us. We don’t want him to get into that situation. I actually really liked it. “

The Red Wings don’t have an enforcer type, which is rare in the league these days anyway. Klim Kostin somewhat took over the role last season before being replaced at the deadline.

Watson, who is in training camp for a tryout, would be some sort of big, physical presence to battle against if he gets a contract. He will be in the lineup tonight when the Red Wings complete preseason play in Toronto (7 p.m., no TV, live stream on detroitredwings.com).

“It’s amazing,” Lalonde said. “Just a guy with that mentality helps the group a lot. Up until this point, Austin was good at his game. He kills (punishments). He had an excellent chance at the back door, five on five. He also did some good things with his game.”

Watson was sent off after an altercation with Jan Jenik at 16:01 of the first period of the 3-4 overtime loss. He received 27 penalty minutes (instigator misconduct, aggressor, brawl, instigator minor).

The players liked what they saw.

“You want to have a man like that on your team,” said Christian Fischer. “He is highly regarded throughout the league. He protects his teammates and does a really good job at it. He made a hell of a career out of it. Mo Seider is an all-star defenseman. He doesn’t do the things you shouldn’t do. Not just Austin, I think there are other people.”

Olli Maatta said: “It makes us stick together. I think we did that. I think that’s the toughness you need. It’s not necessarily about fighting anymore, but I think it’s team spirit. Don’t give in and support your teammates, your partner, your linemates. I think that’s the mindset we’ve had all three years that I’ve been here and I think we’ll continue to do that.”

At the beginning of the third period, Cole Reinhardt was annoyed about a goal from a teammate of Simon Edvinsson. He tried to pick a fight with the 6-6 rookie, who practically dragged him to the ice with one arm.

“Before the season, I think it’s good to get these emotions back,” said Fischer. “From Thursday there will be 82 games of this type of emotion. I think it’s nice to bring a little liveliness to the game and show just that fire. We have played some exciting duels with this team and I expect there will be more to come.

“Of course nobody wants anyone to get hurt, they just want their strength to flow again. And I love our 23 guys compared to everyone else. That was fun to watch yesterday.”