The last player cut from the Detroit Red Wings in training camp, defenseman Xavier Ouellet will get another chance to impress as he suits up Thursday for the Wings’ game at Winnipeg against the Jets.
“I’m really excited,… said Ouellet, recalled from Grand Rapids of the American League when Brendan Smith was placed on injured reserve with an infected hand. “I’ve been doing really good down there and was just waiting for an opportunity and I guess I have it tonight.…
The Wings like Ouellet’s reliability and trust him so much they recalled him last April to play in the Stanley Cup playoffs against Boston.
“I just want him to compete, move the puck, go back and play like he can,… Detroit coach Mike Babcock said of Ouellet. “He played real well for us in training camp. We didn’t really have any room for him.
“He’s played well there, he played well for us, and like I said he’s competitive, he moves the puck for us, moves the puck good on the penalty kill, he’s good on the power play, so we’re going to play him.…
In other roster news, center Pavel Datsyuk (groin) will miss his second straight game, while center Stephen Weiss (groin) is off to Grand Rapids for a weekend injury rehab stint with the Griffins.
Nestrasil Claimed
The Carolina Hurricanes, who are coached by former Red Wings assistant Bill Peters, claimed forward Andrej Nestrasil on waivers from Detroit Thursday.
“I heard there were a whole bunch of teams that tried to claim him,… Babcock said. “Nesty’s a great kid.
“I think it would be great for him to play a year in the American League and score like crazy. I wish him well. If he can fit in and help them and play every night, that’s really good for him. That’s what he wants to do, be an NHL player.…
While disappointed to lose him, Detroit players wished their old teammate nothing but the best in his new home.
“I think a lot of the guys here are happy for him,… Detroit centre Riley Sheahan said. “He’s such a great guy off the ice and he works really hard and he’s a great player.
“Obviously, we’ll miss him, but it’s great for him to get a chance. Whenever you see him he’s got a smile on his face and always joking around and fun to be around.…
Opposing An Old Friend
Petr Mrazek will make his first start of the season in goal for the Wings and will be looking down the ice at one of his buddies, fellow Czech Ondrej Pavelec, who gets the start for the Jets.
“We’re good friends,… Mrazek said. “We were talking yesterday about it when we got here, joking a little bit, but when the game starts it’s a game and we want to win.
“It’s a battle between Czech goalies, so that means a lot to me. But more importantly I want to have a good game here and get two points.…
At The Helm
It’s a homecoming for Detroit forward Darren Helm, who hails from Winnipeg , so tickets were a hot item for him.
"I haven't gotten the final numbers,… Helm said. “It was looking at around 20 a couple days ago, so we'll see what the final total is.…
Helm played in Winnipeg last year shortly after returning from injury but does not have fond memories of Detroit’s 4-2 loss on Nov. 4, 2013.
"It was my second (game back from injury),… Helm recalled. “It didn't go too well. Hopefully, I’ve got the whole season played so far. I’m feeling a lot better than I did going into Winnipeg last year.
“I’m looking forward to it and hoping I can have a better showing."
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