MLive’s Ansar Khan spotlights the Red Wings’ contributions made by Marco Kasper, Elmer Soderblom, Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson of late:
Kasper started the season in Grand Rapids and mostly centered the fourth line the first few months after being recalled. McLellan put him at left wing on the top line with Larkin and Raymond on Jan. 10, and since then Kasper has flourished, with eight goals and16 points in 18 games.
The 6-8 Soderblom has been a fixture in the lineup since being promoted, using his big frame and reach effectively on the forecheck and chipping in offensively with two goals and six points in 12 games, paired with fellow big body Michael Rasmussen, who missed Tuesday’s game with an upper-body injury.
Edvinsson has been consistently strong all season, whether on the top pairing with Seider or on the second pair in recent weeks with Johansson. Edvinsson has 23 points, leads the team’s defensemen with seven goals and has a team-best plus-12 rating.
Johansson, a frequent healthy scratch before McLellan arrived, has played well enough to maintain a top-four spot since Jeff Petry was injured on Jan. 2. McLellan called Johansson the team’s most pleasant surprise.
“We’ve gotten great bumps from Elmer Soderblom, Albert, lots of guys,” Ben Chiarot said. “Good energy from all the guys that have come into the lineup.”
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