BREAKING: Veteran Scratched

Earlier today, I reported that veteran forward Justin Abdelkader began skating with his teammates at their routine morning practice.

 

Though he was rotating in and out of the fourth line, it was unknown until minutes ago whether or not he would feature in tonight’s lineup. Head coach Jeff Blashill confirmed that Abdelkader will therefore not be ready to play tonight, as his lower-body injury will keep him sidelined.

 

Blashill mentioned that while the forward will sit out tonight’s game, he should be ready to go on Thursday night when the Red Wings visit the St. Louis Blues.

 

 

Abdelkader has a goal and seven penalty minutes through five games thus far. The 29-year-old boasts a minus-2 rating and managed only five shots on net, but has picked up a fighting major on Monday October 17th against the Ottawa Senators when he took on Chris Neil.