Game day Report: Another player making his NHL debut and a new D-man on the power-play!

Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill has decided to sit out Niklas Kronwall tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes. Filling in for the veteran Swede will be rookies Robbie Russo and Dan Renouf, who will likely be making his NHL debut.

Renouf will probably be given some bottom-pairing minutes to chew on, while Russo will be promoted to the power player.

Russo may seem like an unlikely choice for power play time, he has yet to notch a point in his ten games with the Red Wings since debuting against the Toronto Maple Leafs early in March. It’s good to give young guys a chance, and Kronwall’s production while up a man leaves something to be desired anyhow. The 36-year-old has only six assists on the power play and no goals this season.

Renouf is a 6’2, 205 lbs shutdown defenceman who shoots left-handed and is known for good skating ability and responsible play in his own end. He had 3 goals and 12 assists for 15 points in 58 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL this season.

Russo had 7 goals and 24 assists for 31 points in 56 games alongside Renouf in the AHL before being called up to the Red Wings.

Forward Darren Helm (8 goals, 5 assists in 42 games) could potentially return from a lower-body injury tonight as well. Helm is reportedly feeling game ready, and is listed as a game-time decision.

Tonight’s game against the Hurricanes is the second game in stretch where Detroit will play three-games-in-three-days. They play Carolina again on Tuesday.