The Detroit Red Wings receive some unfavorable news just as things are about to get better. You get the idea. With five wins in their last six games, the Red Wings are now enjoying a bit of a hot streak. That’s just what the doctor ordered after a miserable December in which they almost played themselves out of the Eastern Conference playoff race, but they have some alarming news about their star forward Patrick Kane. In Detroit’s 4-2 away victory over Toronto this past Sunday, Kane, 35, was hurt early in the first period and did not play again. Fortunately, Kane’s problem is not related to his hip and is limited to his lower body.
Naturally, when I watched the play, Kane’s resurfaced hip was the first thing that came to mind. After the signing, there were a lot of questions about the process because nobody in the NHL had ever fully recovered from an injury of this kind and played a substantial number of games. Although there are several ways to conduct this hip resurfacing treatment, the Detroit Red Wings organization is confidence in the way it was completed, as general manager Steve Yzerman indicated at the time of the signing. Yzerman also mentioned that Kane wanted to get his hip resurfacing done in the same manner as tennis player Andy Murray.
As stated earlier, the injury happened in the first few minutes of Sunday’s first period in Toronto versus the Leafs. After being severely injured by Pontus Holmberg, Kane staggered close to the Detroit goal as he was back-checking and collided with the end boards while trying to intercept a pass meant for Holmberg. Mickey Redmond said that Kane had never taken a harder hit since joining the Detroit Red Wings, referring to Holmberg’s hit as such.
Ever since he joined the Red Wings, Kane has been outstanding. In 19 games, he has averaged just under 18 minutes of ice time each night and has recorded seven goals and sixteen points. His shooting percentage of 11.1% is the highest it has been since he kept a 12% conversion rate in 2019–20. In his 19 games with the Rangers last season, Kane did manage an 11.1%, but his season average was 9.3%.
Hopefully, this injury won’t be a permanent problem, but help is on hand. Forward Klim Kostin was just activated by the Detroit Red Wings from Injured Reserve. Due to an upper-body injury sustained in a hit, Kostin has been out since December 18. Radko Gudas of Anaheim has since made fun of him. In Kane’s absence, expect Robby Fabbri or Daniel Sprong to be moved up to the second line and play alongside Alex DeBrincat and J.T. Compher. Kostin returns to his typical position as the fourth line’s 12th forward as a result.
The Detroit Red Wings will play the Panthers in Florida on Wednesday, travel to Carolina on Friday, and then play the Tampa Bay Lightning at home on Monday. The original schedule for that Lightning game was set for 5 PM EST. The new time for this coming Sunday is 7 PM EST. In addition, the Detroit Lions’ Divisional Round Playoff game against Tampa Bay is set to begin at 3 PM EST. The Lions are one victory away from a trip to the NFC Championship.
Leave a Reply