Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock has been happier with his team’s defense (in the big picture) since adding some young blood, but that group took a big hit when it became clear that rookie Danny DeKeyser suffered a season-ending broken thumb.
MLive.com reports that Brian Lashoff will be his replacement.
It appears that Lashoff’s puck-moving skills are what prompted Babcock’s decision to use Lashoff rather than more experienced blueliners Ian White and Carlo Colaiacovo.
“He’s smart, knows how to play and competes hard,’' Babcock said. “He makes a good first pass and he’s a good penalty killer.”
While the rotations could change, Babcock said that he expects the 22-year-old to take DeKeyser’s spot alongside Jakub Kindl on Saturday.
You can watch Game 3 of the Red Wings-Anaheim Ducks first-round series starting at 7:30 pm ET on NBC Sports Network.