The Red Wings are out west for a three-game run in California in hopes that they can get back above .500 on the road. The fun kicks off tomorrow night in Los Angeles, before heading to Anaheim in Wednesday, and ending in San Jose on Saturday.
Injuries are still a massive issue, and Gustav Nyquist — who has played three games in three nights, two of them with the Wings — has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins. Expect him to suit up if Todd Bertuzzi can’t play for the fourth straight game. Here’s a quick peek at the injury situation:
PATRICK EAVES – LW :: Concussion :: OUT (On Long-Term Injured Reserve)
Has missed 47 games. No timetable for return.
PAVEL DATSYUK – C :: Bone Spurs in Right Knee :: DOUBTFUL
Has missed 8 games. May return during trip.
JONATHAN ERICSSON – D :: Fractured Wrist :: OUT
Has missed 6 games. Scheduled to return at the end of the month.
NICKLAS LIDSTROM – D :: Deep Ankle Bone Bruise :: OUT
Has missed 6 games. Likely will not return this week, but is on trip.
JAKUB KINDL – D :: Upper Body Injury :: UNKNOWN
Has missed 3 games. Was on the ice for practice today.
TODD BERTUZZI – RW :: Sore Groin :: LIKELY TO RETURN
Has missed 3 games. Practiced today, likely to return tomorrow. Nyquist will play if Bertuzzi can’t.
JIMMY HOWARD – G :: Slight Groin Strain :: LIKELY TO RETURN
Has missed 3 games. Practiced today, likely to return tomorrow. Jordan Pearce did not travel with team, meaning Howard is healthy enough to at least dress as a back-up.
Current Roster:
Filppula — Zetterberg — Hudler
Cleary — Abdelkader — Bertuzzi/Nyquist
Miller — Helm — Franzen
Mursak — Emmerton — Holmstrom
Quincey – White
Stuart – Kronwall
Smith – Janik/Kindl
Howard
MacDonald
OUT — Eaves, Datsyuk, Ericsson, Lidstrom
UNLIKELY — Kindl
LIKELY — Bertuzzi, Howard