The Daily: Feels Like Edvinsson’s Been Gone a Long Time; Griffins Can Clinch Playoff Spot Tonight

The Detroit Red Wings haven’t yet traded for a new difference-making defenseman and yet it may feel that way Thursday when they take on the Ottawa Senators in their first post-Olympic Break game.

It feels like Edvinsson has been gone longer than he has.

Edvinsson was injured on Jan. 21 and missed the last seven games before the NHL shutdown. The team went 2-3-2 in those games. Because of the break, he hasn’t played with the Detroit team for more than month. It’s probably going to feel like the Red Wings are adding a new player.  Edvinsson’s absence has certainly reinforced how important he has become.

“Obviously when he wasn’t playing, we missed him,” McLellan said. “There’s that evidence…to allow us to believe he’s a big part of the team.”

Unquestionably, Edvinsson has improved over last season. “Growth in all areas,” McLellan said. “It’s hard just to pinpoint one part of his game. But I sense a more mature Simon in everything that he does. Practice habits are even better, better than they were last year. His approach to the game. He’s having fewer and fewer negative moments in games. (That) means his confidence is going up and his focus stays where it needs to be.”

Red Wings Extra

The Grand Rapids Griffins (40-7-2-1) are home tonight to face the Manitoba Moose tonight (7 p.m., ET). The Red Wings returned Sheldon Dries and Dominik Shine back to the team. If the Griffins win this game, they qualify for the playoffs. The team record for earliest playoff qualification is March 6, 2004.  This could break the record by 10 days

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Red Wings legend Igor Larionov is critical of Russia’s absence from the Olympic Games

Captain Dylan Larkin still expected to be ready to play against the Ottawa Senators Thursday

Former Red Wings defenseman Serge Lajeunesse is dead at 75

Hockey Now Digest

Boston: Bruins unsure when Jeremy Swayman and Charlie McAvoy will be back with the team. Boston Bruins. 

Colorado: Aarif Deen looks inside the acquisition of defenseman Brett Kulak and the departure of Samuel Girard. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Florida: Matthew Tkachuk says that USA’s gold medal triumph means “Lives changed forever.” Florida Panthers. 

New Jersey: Don’t forget that defenseman Dougie Hamilton is on the NHL trade board: New Jersey Devils. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski goes in depth on his analysis of GM Kyle Dubas’ latest trade. Pittsburgh Penguins.