Washington — The game before Drew Miller left the lineup with a busted jaw that required surgery, the Red Wings were fourth in the NHL in penalty killing at 84.1 percent.
They entered the game against the Capitals on Tuesday, just four periods of play later, 13th in kill at 81.1 percent.
The loss of Miller for at least six weeks is not the only reason the Wings managed to kill just one of the four penalties against the Predators on Saturday. But losing a penalty killer of Miller’s considerable ability evidences the fact that lineup changes are not as simple as calling up a young guy demonstrating he can score some goals in Grand Rapids.