Detroit’s hockey team is gearing up for a midweek road series in Buffalo this Wednesday. Coach Todd McLellan confirmed that veteran forward Patrick Kane will not join the team due to an upper body injury. Kane, who has been sidelined since Sunday, did skate during Tuesday’s session, providing some hope for his return.
Patrick Kane’s Injury Update
McLellan provided a status update on Kane after Tuesday’s practice at Little Caesars Arena. Kane has registered two goals and three assists in five games this season. While he skated on Tuesday, McLellan stated that the team will reevaluate his condition after returning for Saturday’s game.
Power Play Adjustments
With Kane out, the team faces the challenge of compensating for his presence, especially on the power play, which currently operates at 22.2 percent efficiency. During practice, Marco Kasper was moved to the top power play unit, joining teammates Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, and Moritz Seider.
- Dylan Larkin – Forward
- Lucas Raymond – Forward
- Alex DeBrincat – Forward
- Moritz Seider – Defenseman
- Marco Kasper – Forward
McLellan emphasized the need for a collective effort to fill the gap left by Kane. He stressed the importance of good practice time to prepare for the upcoming game. “We don’t really know what we have or what it will look like,” he said. However, he remains optimistic about Kasper stepping up in a crucial role.
Looking Forward
The team is optimistic as they head into their matchup against Buffalo. The absence of Kane is a significant setback, but McLellan believes the remaining players can maintain a strong performance. “We still expect a high-end performance out of that special team,” he added, underlining the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges.
As the midweek road series kicks off, the Detroit team aims to continue building on its positive vibe and strong group dynamics.
