Detroit Red Wings defenseman nearing return after missing 33 games this season
Photo credit: NHL.COM
Detroit Red Wings set to receive significant boost ahead of playoff push with the return of a defenseman
The Detroit Red Wings got some good news today on an injured player who has missed 33 games this season due to an injury defenseman that resulted in the veteran undergoing surgery.
Jeff Petry is back with the team. After being sidelined by an injury since January 2nd, Petry has been working hard to recover.
Today was his first time joining the Red Wings at practice, and head coach Todd McLellan sounded hopeful.
«This was his first go at being involved with the team,» McLellan said. «He felt pretty confident. He needs to get back to being productive this time of year.»
Jeff Petry to return to Red Wings lineup soon
Petry's return couldn't come at a better time. The Red Wings are pushing for the NHL playoffs, hoping to clinch a spot for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
Before his injury, Petry was soaking up minutes on the back end, playing just under 20 per game in his 34 games played this season.
While he's been out, the game has gotten faster and tougher, according to McLellan.
«The game has ramped up since he's left,» he stated. «He's got to get back to where he was before and maybe more.»
With Petry back, the Red Wings could see a major boost to their defense, which has struggled at times, but it comes with a removal.
Justin Holl has slowed things down lately with some costly turnovers, and may be removed from the lineup upon Petry's return.
The timing is perfect as the playoffs draw closer.
| POLL | ||
MARS 17 | 254 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings defenseman nearing return after missing 33 games this season Who should the Red Wings pull from the lineup when this defenseman returns? | ||
| Justin Holl | 207 | 81.5 % |
| Albert Johansson | 14 | 5.5 % |
| Other | 33 | 13 % |
| List of polls | ||
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