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Detroit Red Wings

Rasmussen Back On Red Wings Power Play

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3 years ago

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Michael Rasmussen, Detroit Red Wings
Looking to find a fix for their moribund power play, the Red Wings are going to be trying 6-foot-6 Michael Rasmussen as a net-front presence.

Michael Rasmussen is the latest bandage being affixed to the ailing power play of the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings will try the 6-foot-6 Michael Rasmussen as a net-front presence in Wednesday’s game at Little Caesars Arena against the Chicago Blackhawks.

“It can definitely be an advantage,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. “When you have a huge man in front of the net it’s different than if it’s a little guy.”

Detroit’s power play is currently residing in 29th place among the 32 NHL teams. It’s clicking at a dismal 14.8% rate with 18 goals in 127 opportunities.

Blashill is constantly demanding of his team that they create more chaos at the net front. They’re hopeful Rasmussen could be the key to unlocking that strategy.

Can Rasmussen Be A Looming Presence?

“Certainly when you’re a big, big man like that, you’re hard to move and they do take away the eyes,” Blashill said. “I also would say that Ras in his repertoire of skill sets has the ability to be pretty good around the net.

“It’s an area he was really good in junior. I watched him be great net front. He’s done a fairly good job when he’s been here. He hasn’t had much of a chance this year, so hopefully we can get him back in there and he can invite more pucks from the top.

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“If you see the man standing in front of the goalie you’re way more apt to shoot than if there’s nobody in front of his eyes. By just having him there we’re hoping it invites more pucks from the top.”

Lindstrom Game-Time Decision

Even though he was back on the ice for practice on Tuesday, that isn’t a guarantee of Gustav Lindstrom being in the lineup for the Wings on Wednesday. Gustav Lindstrom left Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the Nashville Predators with an undisclosed injury.

“I don’t know that answer yet,” Blashill indicated of Lindstrom’s status, which will be a game-day decision.

“He participated today, was able to get through the whole practice. We weren’t sure if he’d get through or not. So, we’ll see where he’s at. I’m going to want him to be close to 100 percent to play.”

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