Detroit Red Wings injury report: Justin Abdelkader out 2-4 weeks

Justin Abdelkader is another Detroit Red Wings injury in an increasingly long list. The Wings have struggled, but managed to put some points together in the last few games. How does this new setback affect the team’s performance?

Lengthy win streaks followed by terrible losing streaks have left the Detroit Red Wings at or near the bottom of the Atlantic Division this season. This rough patch has only increased due to injuries; since mid-November, five skaters who average more than twelve minutes a game have been sidelined. This is all not to mention secondary goalie, Jimmy Howard, who has played in half of the team’s games so far.

Usually averaging sixteen minutes, Justin Abdelkader saw only three minutes in Thursday’s overtime loss to the Panthers. A check from Florida’s Vincent Trocheck took Abdelkader out early in the first period. He now has a slight strain his MCL, which could keep him out for 2-4 weeks.

The alternate captain has been playing well lately with three points in the last week. He has taken a more aggressive role this season, even more than in recent years. The other forwards will miss him in front of the net, providing interference on deep shots.

No doubt the lines will take some shuffling. We should see a call-up from Grand Rapids in the coming week to cover the absence. In the meantime, Jeff Blashill will likely use Drew Miller in the second line wing position. Gus Nyquist may possibly move up to the second line as well.

If there are any positives to take from another injury, at least this one was not a defenseman. The Red Wings do have some depth at the forward spot, but they are without three major players at defense for another few weeks. They have put together points in five straight games, but there could be tougher times ahead for the Detroit Red Wings.