Detroit Red Wings' Defense Suffers Another Setback

The already rough start to the 2013 season for the Detroit Red Wings defense took another hit Tuesday night, as Ian White was injured during the team’s game against the Dallas Stars. For a team already missing Carlo Colaiacovo, Jonathan Ericsson and Jakub Kindl, another injury was less than welcome news.

Now, for Friday’s match-up against the Minnesota Wild, the Red Wings’ defense looks rough at best. Here’s a look at what the team is left with heading into the game against the Wild:

Niklas Kronwall is left as the leader on defense for the Wings following the retirement of Nicklas Lidstrom, and has played well so far. He has two assists this season, and at +3 is the only defenseman with a positive plus/minus.

Kent Huskins will be playing in just his second game with the Red Wings, after signing with the team as a free agent on Tuesday. The veteran didn’t look out of place against the Stars, and will look to continue building chemistry with the team in two days of practice before Friday’s game.

Brendan Smith is expected to make some big contributions for the Red Wings in his first full season. He hasn’t had a chance to contribute offensively yet, and has avoided taking bad penalties. If he’s going to step up and be a top-four defenseman, Friday’s game would be a great start.

Brian Lashoff will be playing in his third NHL game Friday. He scored the first goal of the season for the Wings in his debut Monday, and was trusted with penalty kill and overtime shifts as well.

Kindl is expected to return Friday, in his first action of the season. This is a big season for him to make an impact as he plays for a contract, and he needs to play better than the one goal, 13 point sophomore he was last season.

Kyle Quincey is a team worst -4, and continues to take penalties at times that hurt his team. He was directly responsible for both goals that Vladimir Tarasenko of the St. Louis Blues scored against the Wings in the season opener, and took an interference call Monday against the Columbus Blue Jackets that led to a power play goal and put the Wings down 3-2.

So, as you can see above, not exactly the best lineup left for the Wings. All of these players are capable of helping the team, but it will take a strong effort from all of them combine to give the Red Wings a chance to win games.