The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan filed a notebook article which discusses the Red Wings’ defensive structure, the new COVID guidelines adopted by the NHL, and the state of the Red Wings’ roster at present:
Gagner and forward Joe Veleno came off the protocol list Wednesday, and several more are likely to become eligible to play Thursday, which means forward Lucas Raymond and defense Nick Leddy would be the two regulars unlikely to be ready to play Friday against Washington.
In all, the Wings appear to be getting healthier and escaping the worst of the situation.
“You cross your fingers knowing just the way this has gone, you think you’re out of the woods and someone tests positive,” Blashill said. “But it seems to have, in the last couple of days, subsided a little bit. You don’t know, it’s almost an hour by hour kind of approach. You have to be ready to adjust as needed and confront the obstacles.”
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The Wings reversed course from planning a full scale practice Wednesday to an optional skate, what with players still coming off the protocol list and different players at various stages of conditioning.
“We’re in a real weird spot where there are guys who haven’t skated at all, and certain guys who’ve skated (three straight days),” said Blashill, adding there are practices and games scheduled through Monday. “It’s more about looking forward than just today.”
