Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider has fallen ill with the flu bug circulating in the team’s locker room, but he intends to suit up for today’s crucial match against the Washington Capitals, which holds significance for both teams’ wildcard aspirations.
Coach Derek Lalonde announced Seider’s condition following the morning skate. Assuming Seider takes the ice, the Red Wings will maintain the lineup that secured a victory against Buffalo on Sunday.
Throughout his fledgling NHL career, Seider has yet to miss a game, boasting an impressive streak of 241 consecutive appearances since joining Detroit in the 2021-22 season.
Seider holds considerable importance for the Detroit squad striving to tighten their defense. In Sunday’s triumph over the Sabres, he logged over 27 minutes of ice time and blocked 10 shots. Teamed with Ben Chiarot, Seider forms a formidable defensive pair, offering Detroit a robust presence to counter opposing top lines.
Coach Lalonde commended Seider’s resilience, stating, “Nobody eats pucks like (Seider).”
Facing a struggling Washington team that has struggled to find the back of the net in their six consecutive losses, the Red Wings are keen to have Seider on the ice to help contain Washington’s leading scorer, Alex Ovechkin.
Currently occupying the final wildcard position in the Eastern Conference, Detroit holds a slim one-point lead over the Capitals.