Kronwall, Williams, and Homer are ALL COMING BACK!
The Red Wings, who are in a tight, tight battle to make the Western Conference playoffs, will get a boost to their lineup Tuesday when Niklas Kronwall is scheduled to return from a knee injury.
“It’s huge,” Dan Cleary said today. “Words can’t describe how important he is to our team.”
Kronwall is a top-four defenseman who logs minutes in every situation, including quarterbacking the second power-play unit, makes bit hits and contributes offensively. In 21 games this season, Kronwall has five goals and eight assists and is plus-3.
“It’ll be nice to have Kronwall back,” Mike Babcock said. “We need a boost right now. It gives you a dynamic guy on the back end whether that be physical, whether that be defending, whether that be in the rush offensively, whether that be on the power play, whether that be on the penalty kill.”
Kronwall hasn’t played since spraining his left MCL when he was hit knee-on-knee by Montreal’s Georges Laraque Nov. 21. Kronwall had begun skating prior to Christmas but suffered a setback that eventually required a Cortisone injection.
“It feels good now, and I’m very excited,” Kronwall said. “It’s been a long time, and I can’t wait to be back out there.”
Getting him back will be huge, as it takes pressure of Nicklas Lidstrom and Brad Stuart, especially, and gives Stuart a high-quality partner again. It also makes it possible to play rookie Jonathan Ericsson, who has struggled with turnovers, opposite a veteran at times.
Also Jason Williams (leg) said he probably will be ready to play Friday against Nashville, and Tomas Holmstrom (foot) said he’ll be ready either Friday or Sunday against Pittsburgh.
(via freep)
