The Detroit Red Wings will have to do without one of their grittier forwards in Justin Abdelkader, but thankfully for not very long.
Abdelkader will be out for a short time with a fractured cheekbone. The team announced today that he’ll see a specialist for it on Monday, but it will at least keep him from the Red Wings’ game tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Coach Jeff Blashill also spoke to Helene St. James and made it known that he does not anticipate a long-term absence by Abdelkader.
Coach Blashill said Justin Abdelkader has a fractured cheekbone. Will see specialist Monday. #RedWings
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 11, 2017
“Coach Jeff Blashill said Saturday that Abdelkader has a “fracture in his cheek,” and that he will see a specialist Monday. “We expect it to be short term. But until he sees a specialist, we don’t know.” “
The fracture came as a result of Abdelkader’s fight on Thursday night against Troy Brouwer, in the Wings’ 6-3 loss to the Calgary Flames.
Through 17 games played this season, Justin Abdelkader has 2 goals and 9 points and is a minus-1 on the year. His short absence from the lineup could give Red Wings newcomer Luke Witkowski a chance to rotate into the ranks.
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