DETROIT - After sitting in the stands, Justin Abdelkader plans to park himself in front of the net.
When the Detroit Red Wings resume the Eastern Conference first-round best-of-seven series against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday at Joe Louis Arena, they will have Abdelkader in the lineup.
Greasy, dirty goals in the playoffs are common and often the difference. That’s where Abdelkader, recovered after missing six games with a hand injury, thinks he comes in.
“My game is really suited for the playoffs,” the 6-foot-2, 218-pound Abdelkader said after practice on Monday. “Be physical, be on the forecheck, be around the net.