The Red Wings held a brief morning skate ahead of tonight’s game vs. the New York Islanders, and Marc Staal (COVID protocol) rejoined the fray, with Alex Nedeljkovic apparently starting this evening (7:30 PM EST start on Bally Sports Detroit/MSG+/97.1 FM).
Our friends from Long Island watched the Wings’ morning skate…
Ex-#Isles G Thomas Greiss working late at Red Wings morning skate so appears Alex Nedeljkovic gets the start tonight here in Detroit. Nedeljkovic made 20 saves in Wings’ 4-3 OT win over Isles at Little Caesars Arena on Dec. 4.— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) December 14, 2021
And the Islanders community is reeling from the news that top prospect and Team Finland center Aatu Raty will not be able to participate in the World Junior Championship in Edmonton due to a positive COVID test.
So:
Marc Staal is out of Covid protocol, but not expected to play tonight. #LGRW— Carley Johnston (@carleykjohnston) December 14, 2021
Marc Staal is out of COVID protocol, but Jeff Blashill said he does not anticipate him playing tonight. #LGRW— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) December 14, 2021
Red Wings’ Marc Staal is out of COVID-19 protocol but is not anticipated to play tonight vs NYI.— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) December 14, 2021
Given that Staal was probably symptomatic, this is not a surprise. He’ll need some time to regain his “wind.”
