Detroit Red Wings Retake Services of Pulkkinen Ahead of Chicago Blackhawks Rematch
CHICAGO--With the Detroit Red Wings struggling in offense, they recalled Teemu Pulkkinen from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL in time for their nationally televised derby match against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday at the United Center.
Pulkkinen, who made a brief appearance in January, scoring a goal in a six-match span, was assigned to the Griffins and led the AHL in scoring, making 30 goals for the second straight season. He became the first player in franchise history to do such a feat.
After the recall, the Red Wings, who lost their last three games, immediately put him in practice, where he joined captain Henrik Zetterberg and forward Justin Abdelkader.
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Coach Mike Babcock described Pulkkinen as a "machine-like scorer" to the press after practice.
On the other hand, Jimmy Howard begins to feel 100 percent again after returning to the lineup.
Despite his team not winning in his comeback, Howard thought he is totally fine now.
"I felt really good," said Howard, who saved 27 of 28 attempts in Detroit's 0-2 lost against Montreal on Monday. "I started feeling more and more at home out there and it transferred over to tonight and hopefully it transfers even more into Chicago."
On the other hand, the Blackhawks will look to continue their hot streak. They won four of their last six with the two losses all coming in overtime.
Both the Red Wings and the Blackhawks aim to strengthen their bid for a playoff spot and the divisional championship.
The Red Wings currently places third in the Atlantic Division with 72 points, just six points behind the Canadiens.
The Blackhawks, on the other hand, also have 72 points and also place third in their division, the Central Division, and trail the Nashville Predators by just ten points.
