Nyquist a game time decision

The surprising news for the Detroit Red Wings is that winger Gus Nyquist may play Monday against the Vancouver Canucks. Nyquist, who left Sunday’s 4-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers with a right knee injury, skated during Monday’s optional workout to test out his ailing leg. “He’ll be a game-time decision,… Detroit coach Jeff Blashill confirmed to RedWings.com. Nyquist seemed encouraged by the results of his on-ice exam. “It felt OK, so we’ll see how it feels later in the day,… Nyquist said. Nyquist also scored for the Wings Sunday, his fifth goal of the season. He didn’t score his fifth goal last season until Jan. 12, Detroit’s 42nd game of the season. On Standby If Nyquist proves unable to answer the bell, David Booth would draw into the lineup. A former Canuck who played for Vancouver from 2011-14, Booth, who spent the previous two seasons in the KHL, hasn’t suited up for the Wings since Oct. 20. “I would say it’s all about perspective and lots of things in life can give you that perspective,… Blashill said of Booth. “I think somebody like David who’s had a good career in the NHL and has been away from the NHL for a number of years and now gets a chance to be back part of the NHL, he’s very appreciative of every day. “I asked him how he’s doing the other day and he said, ‘I’m doing great. I’m having a blast. I’m working hard.’ He works his tail off every day, great example to our young players. I think he’s got the perspective. Every day in this league is a pretty special day. I think some of us, you forget about that sometimes. “He’s got great perspective.… Center Of A-Attention Blashill moved forward Andreas Athanasiou to center in Sunday’s game and offered an explanation for AA’s new role. “One thing that’s hurt him in the past is faceoffs,… Blashill said. “I think the new rules might actually, I don’t know, maybe they help him. We’ll see. He didn’t have to take tons last night but then the other thing that I like about him at center is AA, he skates the most when he has the puck. “Some wingers have learned over time how to skate without the puck and get into open areas. He likes to wait until he gets the puck and then skates. You’re way better off doing that at center where you have a little more ice in the middle of the ice.… Follow me on Twitter @asktheduffer