It speaks to how far Justin Abdelkader’s play has dropped that his coach is willing to make him a healthy scratch.
The Detroit Red Wings enter Saturday's game in Toronto on a two-game losing streak. Whether the lineup that night will include Abdelkader is something coach Jeff Blashill has yet to decide, but the point has been made he is willing to bench Abdelkader.
That’s what happened Tuesday, when Abdelkader found out he wouldn’t play against the Columbus Blue Jackets before the morning skate when he saw the lineup posted.
“You’re disappointed, but hey listen, I just want to go out and be better and try to maximize each time I’m on the ice,” Abdelkader said Thursday.