The Detroit Red Wings could be receiving some much-needed help from the cavalry in time for Tuesday’s game at the United Center against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Injured forward Justin Abdelkader (knee) and defenseman Mike Green (upper body) both practiced Monday and appear to be good to go, although Detroit coach Jeff Blashill remained non-committal on the subject.
“We’ll make those lineup decisions tomorrow,… Blashill said. “We wanted to get a practice in and make sure they we ready to go. They both I think felt good, but I’ll wait for them to get evaluated by the trainers and we’ll make that final decision.…
Abdelkader has been out since the beginning of December, while Green hasn’t played since Dec. 17. Both players could provide aid to a moribund Detroit power play that hasn’t scored a goal in a road game since Oct. 19.
Abdelkader can provide both a net-front presence and a big body who can go in the corners and work along the boards to win back pucks.
“He’s a guy that scores and shows he can score,… Blashill said. “He’s different than a lot of guys we have. He’s a big body that goes to the net hard. He’s good defensively. He’s been an important piece. I don’t want to say he’s a rarity in the NHL, but a commodity in the NHL when you have size and a skill package. That’s why he was picked for Team USA (for the World Cup of Hockey).
“With that said it takes guys a while to get back going. It’s not going to happen overnight, but I think having a Justin Abdelkader in the lineup makes us better ultimately.…
Abdelkader was also on the fence about whether he’d been suiting up Tuesday but seemed to be leaning toward putting on the gear.
“It felt pretty good,… Abdelkader said. “We’ll evaluate tomorrow and see from there. No decisions yet but it felt good. It was good to get a good skate, practices have been — there haven’t been many practices since I’ve been out so it was nice to get some line rushes.…
He also agreed with his coach that rust might be an issue initially after more than a month away from game action.
“You’re always anxious,… Abdelkader said. “Watching can be tough. If I can come in and help the team out, try to be at the net, finish my checks and keep my shifts short.…
Green was among Detroit’s top scorers when he was injured and is far and away the team’s most offensively skilled defender.
“Without question,… Blashill said. “I thought Green was playing at a high, high level when he got hurt. He looked like a real number one defenseman in the NHL so when he gets going it’ll be big for us to have him playing at the high level again.…
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