For the initial time this NHL season, the Detroit Red Wings are confronting the absence of Michael Rasmussen. Historically, they haven’t coped well with this situation.
Rasmussen will be sidelined for Friday’s home game against the New York Rangers, and possibly beyond. He sustained an upper-body injury in a collision along the boards late in Monday’s 4-2 Detroit victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“Rasmussen won’t be available on Friday,” confirmed Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde after Wednesday’s practice. “His status is day to day. It’s uncertain if he’ll return over the weekend, but we’ll have a clearer picture on Friday.”
On Sunday afternoon, Detroit is scheduled to face the Buffalo Sabres at home.
Throughout this season, Rasmussen hasn’t missed a single game. The imposing 6-foot-6 forward has notably contributed to an identity line alongside fellow gritty players Andrew Copp and Christian Fischer. With 13 goals this season, Rasmussen ranks among the 13 Red Wings players who have scored double-digit goals.
The Red Wings roster boasts players who embody a straightforward, physical style of play, where Rasmussen’s significance truly shines.
“We’ve had some success with that line reunited – him, Copp, and Fisch, they log valuable minutes,” Lalonde commented on the effectiveness of that line. “Their presence alters the matchup dynamics. Rasmussen adds physicality and size. He excels around the net and contributes to driving his line offensively through forechecking.
“We’ll definitely feel his absence. It’ll be noticeable.”
The team has experienced the void left by Rasmussen’s absence before. Last season, he missed 26 games – two due to NHL suspension and 24 due to injury. Detroit struggled, posting an 8-16-2 record during that time, earning only 18 out of a possible 52 points.
Joe Veleno, who had limited ice time in Monday’s victory with only 4:42 minutes, will have the initial opportunity to step into Rasmussen’s role.
“We’ll likely slot Veleno in there, hoping he can provide a similar style of play – size, speed, and willingness to battle in tough areas,” Lalonde remarked.