Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff discusses the “uphill battle” that Red Wings defenseman Jeff Petry will have in terms of returning to Detroit’s lineup thanks to the strong play of one Albert Johansson on the second D pairing:
When he regains his health, where does Petry fit into the picture?
Historically, hockey tradition states that a player can’t lose his job due to injury. It’s supposed to be waiting for him once he’s healthy.
Realistically, unless Johansson’s form suddenly goes south, there’s no way Petry is getting back into the Detroit top four rearguards.
“From my perspective, I don’t see it as being a problem,” McLellan said regarding what happens to Johansson when Petry is back. “I think (Johansson) keeps on playing, in my opinion. But it can change. He can’t give any of his game back because he’s raised the bar so high. Our expectations are going up for him. I don’t think it’s a problem. I think it’s a luxury more than a problem.”
More than likely, when he’s back in the picture, Petry is going to find himself battling with Justin Holl and Erik Gustafsson for ice time in the Red Wings’ third pairing.
