Per the Hockey News’s Sam Stockton, regarding Patrick Kane, Jeff Petry and Tyler Motte, who are all battling injuries:
Kane—whom [Red Wings coach Todd] McLellan said Thursday had picked up an upper body injury during the Red Wings’ Saturday game in Dallas, then aggravated that injury against the Flyers Tuesday night—already missed Thursday’s win over the Canadiens.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Kane, who was heating up to his best form of the season throughout the month of January. In the 10 games leading into that game against the Stars in Dallas when he initially suffered the setback, Kane had six goals and 10 assists for 16 points. Against Montreal, Vladimir Tarasenko filled in for Kane on Detroit’s second line position as well as his place on the top power play. While the Red Wings were hardly starved for Kane’s offense against the Habs, they would of course benefit from a hasty recovery that as of this moment does not appear particularly imminent.
Elsewhere on the injury front, Jeff Petry—who has been out since Jan. 2 but took part in Thursday’s pre-game skate—did not participate in Friday’s practice. However, McLellan clarified that this doesn’t represent a setback for Petry; instead, he is simply adhering to the training staff’s designed recovery plan. Finally, Tyler Motte—out since Jan. 14 with an upper body injury—took part in practice wearing a full ‘bubble’ face shield. He also does not have a definitive timeline toward his return, though he is unlikely to play against Tampa.
We’ve all got questions as to what happens with Jeff Petry’s return given Albert Johansson’s play, and the same is true with Tyler Motte given how well Elmer Soderblom has played during his recall. We’ll find out when we find out.
