A few injury notes from Nashville, where the Detroit Red Wings morning skate concluded just a couple hours ago. The Wings will be without the services of Niklas Kronwall tonight, as he is dealing with a lower body injury. Kronwall is considered day-to-day. Forward Frans Nielsen is also out after suffering an injury last night against the Islanders.
Niklas Kronwall out tonight, lower body,
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) February 4, 2017
Drawing in to the lineup will be Tomas Jurco, and defenseman Brendan Smith, who was activated today from injured reserve. Petr Mrazek will start in goal for the Red Wings.
Jurco & Smith in, Kronwall & Nielsen out tonight for #RedWings
— Brendan Savage (@BrendanSavage) February 4, 2017
Coreau says Mrazek in goal tonight for #RedWings
— Brendan Savage (@BrendanSavage) February 4, 2017
Meanwhile, goaltender Jimmy Howard will start in his first game since before Christmas when the Grand Rapids Griffins take the ice tonight at Van Andel Arena. It's the first of what's expected to be a few conditioning stints before he's recalled to Detroit.
Jimmy Howard will start for @griffinshockey tonight vs Milwaukee @mkeadmirals as part of conditioning assignment by @DetroitRedWings pic.twitter.com/UiXcV2pvvX
— Bob Kaser (@bkaser1) February 4, 2017
Detroit will try to earn another two points as they look to crawl back into the playoff race tonight at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.