ROMULUS, Mich. (AP) — Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock says rookie defenseman Brian Lashoff will replace rookie Danny DeKeyser in the lineup against Anaheim.
DeKeyser broke his right thumb in the third period of Detroit’s 5-4 overtime win over the Ducks on Thursday night that evened the series at 1-1.
Babcock has said the Red Wings wouldn’t have rallied for a spot in a 22nd straight postseason without DeKeyser. Now, they have to try to advance without him on the blue line.
Babcock has chosen to put Lashoff on the ice instead of one of two veterans, Ian White and Carlo Colaiacovo.
The Red Wings hope home ice is an advantage that helps them take a 2-1 lead in the first-round series Saturday night in Game 3.
