Back From Injury, Abdelkader Ready To Pick Up Where He Left Off
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
JOE LOUIS ARENA (CBS DETROIT) - As the Detroit Red Wings try to snap a three-game losing streak, left wing Justin Abdelkader returns to action Tuesday as the Red Wings host the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Right wing Gustav Nyquist said the recent absence of Abdelkader, who missed seven games with a shoulder injury, impacted Detroit significantly.
"Abby's a guy we need in the lineup," Nyquist said. "He helps us in so many ways. Like I said, he's a big body. He can bring some physical presence, skates well, he kills penalties, blocks shots, so he's an all-around player for us. It'll be fun to play with him again tonight, and I'm looking forward to it."
Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock praised Abdelkader's effort as well as his abilities.
"You know he's coming to play," Babcock said. "He gives you what he's got every single night. He doesn't vary. He's on the forecheck. He gives skill players a guy to get the puck back. He's good on the net. He's good on the forecheck. You can count on him late in the game to make the right play on the wall. He's a good hockey player."
Abdelkader said he hopes to pick up where he left off before the injury, and Babcock evidently expects the same. Asked whether Abdelkader would be eased back into the lineup or jump straight back into his normal role, Babcock kept his answer brief.
"Normal role," Babcock said. "No easing."
Abdelkader had racked up 15 points - seven goals and eight assists - over 24 games before suffering his injury Nov. 30.
"It feels pretty good," Abdelkader said. "There's always going to be soreness, I think any time coming off an injury like that, but at the same time, I feel good. I've got my strength, which is most important, strength, and range of motion.
"It's tough, tough to go out, being injured," Abdelkader added. "I've felt really good on the ice. It's always, unfortunate part of the game, injuries always happen, but especially when you're feeling good on the ice and playing well, so hopefully I can pick up where I left off."
While an injury is never ideal, upper-body injuries at least generally allow a player to maintain his conditioning, and that has been the case for Abdelkader.
"I've been able to skate and do some legs, leg workouts, and stay ready that way," Abdelkader said. "Obviously nothing is like playing in the game, can't imitate that, but I think for the most part I think I'm ready."
