Update (1:55 PM): In his post on the Rafalski/Quincey situation, Ansar Khan includes an update on Niklas Kronwall. Apparently, he is hoping to play Sunday against the Stars. Khan provides no evidence for whether that’s realistic or not.
Also, it does not appear that Dominik Hasek (hip flexor) is very near returning, as Mike Babcock professed not to know his status. - Matt
Ryan Foherty reports that Brian Rafalski (groin) will sit out tomorrow night’s game against Columbus. Evidently, he suffered the injury during the Nashville game Tuesday night.
The team has called up Kyle Quincey from the AHL to fill in during Rafalski’s absence. To be frank, I don’t understand why Quincey was chosen instead of Jonathan Ericsson., who has over twice the points Quincey has and is +4. Quincey is -5 and, by all accounts, has not been the same player since being demoted to Grand Rapids after playing with the Wings in the playoffs.
Ericsson, I’m told, has had a solid year in the midst of the Griffins’ troubles this season. Perhaps that’s the reason the Wings opted for Quincey: the Griffins cannot afford to lose Ericsson and Quincey could use the confidence boost.
It doesn’t appear to be a waiver issue, as Ericsson is described by Red Wings Central as having a “waiver-free status.”
In any case, Rafalski is a big loss, even though he’s only day-to-day. The last thing the Wings needed was to lose one of their better skaters as they head into a contest with a young Columbus team that’s fighting for a playoff spot.
It will, however, be interesting to see Derek Meech take on a larger role, if only for one game. My confidence in #14 is growing.
I apologize for the lack of posting this week. It’s been a bit busy at my end, but hopefully things will quiet down after this week.
By the way, I met Darren McCarty Tuesday night in Holland. I’ll be at his home debut tomorrow night, as well.
I’m heading to the game tomorrow as well. I’ve very interested to see how McCarty is doing, but expect to be dissipointed.
What was he doing in Holland per chance?
Quincey is on the verge of losing his own ‘waiver-free status’ and the Wings treat injuries as an opportunity to let their young players show them what they can do. They’ll still be able to leave Ericsson in the minors next year, so there’s no rush on him. Quincey, however, needs to be evaluated so they know if they’re willing to risk him to waivers next year or if he’s ready to stick with the big club like Meech has this year. Like it or not, the Wings do not make their call-ups based entirely on who’s playing the best right now – they use them to evaluate their young talent. With the lead we have in the standings, they can afford to do so. Usually call-ups don’t get a lot of ice time anyway, so there’s really not much risk involved.
Chris,
He was at a Griffins charity event at O’Charley’s. Some of the team was there acting as waiters. Darren’s presence was a definite surprise.
Sarah,
I would think Ericsson would be due for an evaluation, but I can understand Quincey’s needing one as well.