Abdelkader Returns In Wings Win: Justin Abdelkader returned to the Detroit lineup for Friday's 4-3 overtime win in Game 6 of the team's series with Anaheim, notching an assist and finishing a plus-2. (Updated 5/10/13)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 6/19/13).
Fantasy Analysis
Justin Abdelkader's presence on the ice was a boost for Detroit, as he set up the screen on the team's winning goal in overtime. He played 19:21 in the team's victory and registered six hits. He's an important player to the team's overall philosophy; his speed and energy were a welcomed sight in the lineup. (Updated 5/10/13).
05/25/2013 23:02 Blackhawks stay alive, clip Red Wings in Game 5
Jonathan Toews and Andrew Shaw scored power-play goals in the second period, and the Chicago Blackhawks avoided elimination with a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night in Game 5 of the second-round playoff series.
Justin Abdelkader continues to increase his value as a depth-line role player for the Wings, punishing the opposition with his pesky play and earning time as part of the team's penalty-killing unit. With 148 hits last season, Abdelkader ranked second only to Brad Stuart (177) on the Wings in that category while picking up 22 points (8 G, 14 A) over 81 games. There's belief that another layer of offensive upside exists, but that would require a move onto a scoring line, and it appears more likely that he'll end up skating with Darren Helm on the third line or centering the likes of Drew Miller and Jordan Tootoo on the fourth unit than moving up to receive additional minutes at even strength. (Updated 8/14/12)
