Detroit – Speedy, 21-year-old Andreas Athanasiou is back on the roster and likely in a prominent role in the lineup for Saturday, versus the Islanders, as the Red Wings hope to inject more speed and goals into their performance without losing defense.
Sitting one point within the playoffs as the top wild card team entering play Friday, the Wings came stumbling out of the gate after the All-Star break.
Since their enormously successful six-game road trip, Jan. 2-14, they have allowed close competitors like the Lightning, Bruins and Devils to seize the initiative in the nip-and-tuck Eastern Conference standings.